Indian Under-19 captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi is widely known for his explosive batting, but on the South Africa tour, he showcased another side of his game—sharp leadership and tactical clarity. In the second ODI against South Africa Under-19, one off-field decision by Suryavanshi proved decisive and pushed the hosts firmly on the back foot.

The Decision That Changed the Game

Ahead of the second ODI on January 3, Suryavanshi made a bold call at the selection table, bringing Kishan Singh into the playing XI in place of Henil Patel. While the change looked routine on paper, it turned out to be a game-defining move once play began.

Kishan Singh’s Early Strikes

After winning the toss, South Africa Under-19 opted to bat first and reached 35 without loss. That’s when Kishan Singh entered the attack and flipped the script. In a devastating spell, he removed the top order in quick succession, claiming three crucial wickets for just 22 runs.

Kishan first dismissed opener Adnan to provide the breakthrough. In his very next over, he sent the other opener, Zorich, back to the pavilion. Continuing his impact, Kishan then removed the South African U19 captain in his following over, leaving the hosts reeling before the 11th over.

Captaincy Beyond the Boundary

What made the moment stand out was that the damage to South Africa began with a decision taken away from the field. Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s faith in Kishan Singh paid off instantly, underlining his growing maturity as a leader who understands conditions, match-ups and momentum.