“What are these guys smoking?” - Former Indian cricketer slams Jitesh Sharma & Co. for not sending Vaibhav Suryavanshi to bat in Super Over vs Bangladesh A

Former India and Karnataka cricketer Dodda Ganesh has lashed out at India A skipper Jitesh Sharma for not sending in opening batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi to bat in the Super Over against Bangladesh A in the first semi-final of the ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

“Not sending Vaibhav Suryavamshi to bat in the Super over? What are these guys smoking? #AsiaCup,” Dodda Ganesh wrote on X (Formerly Twitter).

https://x.com/doddaganesha/status/1991863433990754443 

Notably, India A suffered a loss in the Super Over to Bangladesh A in the first semi-final of the ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Friday, November 21.

Batting first, Bangladesh A scored an imposing total of 194/6 in 20 overs. Habibur Rahma Sohan's 65-run knock and SM Meherob's 48-run unbeaten knock off 18 balls were important. In reply, India A also scored 194/6 in 20 overs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (38), Priyansh Arya (44), Captain Jitesh Sharma (33) and Nehal Wadhera (32*) were impressive in the chase. 

In the Super Over, India A used Jitesh Sharma, Ramandeep Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. However, they got all-out for no score on the board. In response, Bangladesh sealed the deal, winning the Super Over after losing a wicket.

There were a lot of questions about not utilising Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been in excellent form, in the Super Over. Reacting after the game, captain Jitesh Sharma has his say in the post-match presentation.

“Good game of cricket, good learning for us, I will take all responsibility, as a senior I should finish the game. It's about the learning, not the losing. You never know, these guys may win World Cup for India some day,” Jitesh Sharma said in the post-match presentation. 

“In terms of talent they're touching the sky. It's all about learning and experience. My wicket was the turning point. I know how to handle these situations. They bowled really well. Whoever bowled the 19th over, credit to him,” he added.

“All 20 overs we were in control, don't blame anyone. It's a good game, that's it. They are masters of powerplay (Vaibhav and Priyansh) but in the death me, Ashu and Raman are who can hit at will. So it was team decision and my decision (lineup for Super Over). That leftie guy who played the innings, incredible to play such shots, they also have incredible future,” he concluded.

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