India’s decision to restore Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to his preferred opening position proved effective in the third T20 International against New Zealand, as the 15-year-old batter smashed 45 runs off just 19 balls to help India secure a six-wicket victory in Wellington on October 27.
Former India batter Sadagoppan Ramesh praised the team management’s decision, describing the opportunity to open the innings as a “chocolate” given to the young cricketer. His comments highlighted how a familiar batting position appeared to help Sooryavanshi play with greater freedom after a difficult outing at No. 3 in the previous match.
India’s emphatic chase also featured a spectacular century from Abhishek Sharma, whose aggressive batting helped the visitors take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Why the Team Restored Sooryavanshi to the Opening Slot
Sooryavanshi had batted at No. 3 in the second T20I after being brought into the position to cover for the injured Ishan Kishan. He managed only four runs from eight deliveries in that match.
For the third game, the team management returned him to the opening position, where he could attack the bowling from the beginning of the innings.
The move produced an immediate impact. Sooryavanshi struck four boundaries and four sixes during his 19-ball innings, recording a strike rate of 236.84. His aggressive approach helped India establish early control over a challenging target.
Ramesh explained that the familiar role gave the teenager the freedom to bat without excessive pressure. Comparing the situation to a child looking forward to a carefree Friday evening before a weekend break, he suggested that the change in position allowed Sooryavanshi to express himself naturally.
The former opener’s assessment focused on the psychological benefits of giving a young batter a role that suits his strengths.
Abhishek Sharma Produces a Remarkable Century
While Sooryavanshi provided an explosive start, Abhishek Sharma delivered the innings’ defining performance. The left-handed batter scored 113 runs from 38 deliveries, striking nine fours and 11 sixes.
His innings combined power hitting with rapid scoring, putting New Zealand’s bowlers under sustained pressure throughout the chase.
The opening pair added 133 runs in just 7.1 overs, creating a platform that left India needing comparatively little from the remaining batters. Their partnership rate approached 19 runs per over, underlining the scale of the attacking display.
Ramesh praised Abhishek’s performance, observing that bowlers increasingly have to prepare carefully for a batter capable of scoring so quickly. He also highlighted the extraordinary pace of the opening partnership.
India eventually reached 199 for four in 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets after New Zealand had posted 198 for three in their 20 overs.
India Secure the Series With Two Matches Remaining
The victory gave India a 3-0 advantage in the five-match T20I series, ensuring that New Zealand could no longer win the series.
The result was particularly significant after India’s earlier T20I setbacks on overseas tours and a drawn home series against the West Indies. Ramesh described the win as important for rebuilding confidence, especially with future international competitions requiring strong performances away from home.
India had also won the first two matches through successful run chases, but the third game stood out because of the speed and dominance of the batting display.
The fourth T20I is scheduled for October 30 in Auckland, where India will look to maintain its momentum.
A Positive Sign for Sooryavanshi’s Development
Sooryavanshi’s innings demonstrated the value of role clarity in T20 cricket. Moving a batter up or down the order can change the timing, pressure and responsibilities associated with an innings, particularly for a young player still gaining international experience.
The team’s decision does not guarantee that he will open in every future match, but his performance provided a strong case for using him in a position where he can make an immediate impact.
For India, the third T20I delivered both a series victory and a glimpse of the potential of its younger batting options. The combination of Sooryavanshi’s explosive start and Abhishek’s extraordinary century turned a competitive target into a comfortable chase, leaving New Zealand searching for answers ahead of the remaining fixtures.
