India chased 199 with 6.4 overs to spare as Sooryavanshi hammered 45 off 19 deliveries, smashing a record 133‑run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma.
Sooryavanshi, just 15, turned the third T20I into a showcase of raw talent. His 45, which came in 19 balls, gave India a 120‑run cushion before the final over. The partnership with Sharma was the talk of the venue, eclipsing every previous opening record in the series.
But the real story isn’t just the runs; it’s Ashwin’s quiet lecture to the crowd. The former spinner, who has seen young guns rise, called for patience, warning that early expectations can derail a career. He even hinted that if Ishan Kishan is fit for the next game, Sanju Samson should slot back into the first‑bats position.
Samson, who moved to No. 3 after Kishan’s injury, has a history of power and experience that the board might want to rely on. Ashwin, with his own early‑cricket memories, said the 15‑year‑old should be given breathing space to grow, not rushed into the spotlight.
With the series tied at 1‑1, the next fixture against New Zealand will be a litmus test. If Kishan returns, the team will have to decide whether to let the teenage prodigy continue or hand the reins back to Samson. Either way, the opening order could decide the match’s fate.