R Ashwin Says India A’s Loss ‘Will Stand the Test of Time’ After Super Over Shock

In a heart-stopping semifinal of the ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, India A suffered a dramatic elimination after tying with Bangladesh A at 194 for 6 in 20 overs, only to falter in the ensuing Super Over on November 21. The Super Over unfolded into a comedy of errors that left Indian fans stunned.

Opting to bat first, India A sent in Captain Jitesh Sharma and Ashutosh Sharma, but seamer Ripon Mondol, named Player of the Match for his earlier exploits, dismantled them with pinpoint yorkers. Jitesh was bowled on the first ball attempting a reverse lap, and Ashutosh followed suit on the next delivery, leaving India scoreless—a shocking collapse that handed Bangladesh A a one-run target.

In reply, Bangladesh's Yasir Ali holed out to long-on off Suyash Sharma's first delivery, bringing in Akbar Ali. But Sharma's wide down the leg side sealed the victory for Bangladesh A, who advanced to face the winner of the Pakistan A-Sri Lanka A semifinal in the final.

The defeat sparked intense debate over India A's tactical choices, particularly the decision to exclude the in-form Suryavanshi from the Super Over lineup. Former India spinners Maninder Singh and Dodda Ganesh publicly criticised the management for overlooking the 14-year-old prodigy, who had aggregated 239 runs in four league matches, including a stunning 144 off 42 balls against UAE.

Jitesh Sharma, shouldering the blame in the post-match presentation, explained that he prioritised experience in the high-pressure scenario, selecting himself, Ashutosh, and Ramandeep Singh based on their death-overs pedigree. "It was my decision as a senior player; there's a lot of talent here, and it's about learning from this," Jitesh said, acknowledging the heartbreak for the young squad that had earlier stumbled against Pakistan A but rebounded against Oman.

Also Read: India A Captain Jitesh Sharma Defends Super Over Batting Choice Amid Vaibhav Suryavanshi Snub

Even as recriminations swirled, Veteran Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered a poignant counterpoint on social media, urging fans to cherish the spectacle. "In case you have missed out on the India A v Ban A game from yesterday evening, please don’t miss out. It will stand the test of time," Ashwin posted on X, encapsulating the match's enduring allure.

The tournament, aimed at grooming emerging talents across Asia, highlighted Bangladesh A's resilience after topping Group A with wins over Hong Kong and Afghanistan, despite a loss to Sri Lanka. For India A, the loss underscores the fine margins in T20 cricket, but Suryavanshi's fireworks and the team's grit signal a bright future, provided lessons from this epic are heeded.

Also Read: Bangladesh A Eliminate India A With Super Over Heroics To Reach Final