‘A Chocolate for Sooryavanshi, a Demon at the Crease’: Sadagopan Ramesh Hails Teen Star and Abhishek Sharma’s Fireworks Against New Zealand

New Delhi, Oct 28: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returned to his preferred opening position in the third T20I against New Zealand after being pushed down to No. 3 in the previous match, and the young batter made the most of the opportunity with an explosive innings.

The 15-year-old smashed 45 runs off just 19 deliveries, striking four sixes and four boundaries at an astonishing strike rate of 236.84. His performance was in sharp contrast to his outing in the second T20I, where he managed only four runs off eight balls while batting at No. 3.

Former India batter Sadagopan Ramesh believes the team management's decision to restore Sooryavanshi to the opening slot gave the youngster the freedom to express himself at the crease.

"Sooryavanshi got a chocolate from the team management when they sent him to open. He batted with the freedom of a small boy on a Friday evening who is free in the mind, knowing the next two days are off," he said in a video.

Sadagopan Ramesh Hails Abhishek Sharma's Explosive Batting

Ramesh, who represented India in 19 Tests and 24 ODIs, was equally impressed with Abhishek Sharma's extraordinary performance at the top of the order. The left-handed opener produced a devastating display of power-hitting, putting the New Zealand bowling attack under immense pressure.

"Abhishek Sharma is batting like someone whom bowlers fear just by hearing his name. He batted like a demon today. Almost all the records for the fastest opening partnerships were broken. Scoring 133 runs in seven overs equates to a run rate of 19, which is just astonishing. Despite there still being time for Diwali, the Indian batters, especially Abhishek, kept bursting Rs 1,000 and Rs 10,000 crackers with the bat," he said.

Sharma's remarkable innings saw him score 113 runs from just 38 balls, hitting 11 sixes and nine fours. His explosive partnership with Sooryavanshi set the tone for India's dominant run chase against New Zealand.

Shreyas Iyer Calls India's Batting Display 'Absolutely Stunning'

India captain Shreyas Iyer was left amazed by the attacking approach of Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as the duo helped India secure a comprehensive six-wicket victory in the third T20I on Tuesday.

The win gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, underlining the team's dominance in the contest.

"Absolutely stunning. It was pleasing to the eyes the way they played their strokes. Also, when Sanju and I went out to bat, the ball was seaming, and I was like, how did they manage this? It was simply mind-boggling," Iyer said during the post-match presentation.

India chased down New Zealand's target of 199 in just 13.2 overs, finishing the job with 40 balls remaining. While Sharma's breathtaking century provided the foundation for the chase, Sooryavanshi's quickfire contribution ensured India maintained the momentum throughout the innings.

The emphatic result further highlighted India's batting firepower, with the young opening pair delivering a performance that left both opposition bowlers and former cricketers in awe.