India A captain Jitesh Sharma accepted full responsibility for the team’s dramatic semi-final defeat to Bangladesh in the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025. The biggest talking point of the match was the decision to keep 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi out of the Super Over.
Suryavanshi was the tournament’s highest run-scorer and had hit the most sixes. Still, India chose Jitesh, Ramandeep Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma to bat in the Super Over. The move backfired immediately.
Bangladesh pacer Ripon Mondal bowled two perfect balls. Jitesh missed his lap shot and was bowled first ball. On the next delivery, Ashutosh failed to clear cover and was caught. India were bowled out for zero, giving Bangladesh a simple chase.
Jitesh Explains Why Vaibhav Didn’t Bat
After the match, Jitesh said the call to keep Suryavanshi in the dugout was made by him and the team management.
“I think Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya are excellent in the powerplay,” Jitesh said. “But in the death overs, me, Ashu, and Raman are the ones who can hit big shots. It was a team decision and my decision based on percentages.”
Jitesh himself scored 33 off 23 earlier in the chase. However, he admitted that his dismissal at a crucial moment hurt India.
“I take full responsibility for the loss,” he said. “As a senior, I should have finished the match. It’s a learning curve for all of us.”
Bangladesh’s Late Surge Set Up the Thriller
Bangladesh posted 194 for six after a stunning late assault. They were 130 for six before Meherob Hasan exploded with 48 off 18 balls. His onslaught included four sixes and came during a 28-run over from part-timer Naman Dhir. Meherob and Akbar Ali added another 20 in the final over.
India’s Fast Start and Late Collapse
India began with electric momentum. Suryavanshi smashed 38 off 15 balls, while Priyansh Arya hit 44 off 23. Both openers dominated the new-ball attack before falling while attempting more big hits.
Jitesh (33) and Nehal Wadhera (32*) kept India in control. However, the scoring rate dipped in the final overs. India needed 16 from the last six balls. A last-ball scramble helped them steal three runs after a misfield and a missed throw, tying the scores at 194.
Despite the brave fightback, India fell short in the Super Over.
