"Suryavanshi got a chocolate from the team management" - Former Indian opener's interesting take on 15-year-old after NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

Former Indian batter Sadagoppan Ramesh has welcomed Vaibhav Suryavanshi's return to the top of India's order, saying the team management handed the 15-year-old a treat by sending him out to open again in the third T20I against New Zealand after he had batted at No. 3 in the previous match. Suryavanshi had made 4 at No. 3 in Christchurch as cover for the injured Ishan Kishan.

Restored to the top in Wellington, he hit four fours and four sixes in 45 off 19 balls. His stand with Abhishek Sharma made a chase of 199 look routine. The duo added 133 in 7.1 overs, with Abhishek making 113 off 38 balls, including nine fours and 11 sixes.

Talking about Suryavanshi returning to the top of the order on his Instagram handle, Ramesh said:

"Suryavanshi 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 that is free in the mind, knowing the next two days are off."

Ramesh also had high praise for Abhishek Sharma, adding:

"Abhishek Sharma is batting like someone who bowlers fear just by hearing his name. He batted like a demon today. Almost all the fastest records for an opening partnership were broken. 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 1000 and 10,000 wala crackers with the bat."

The six-wicket win gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series with two games to play.

"This was a crucial series win" - Sadagoppan Ramesh

Sadagoppan Ramesh believes the series result against New Zealand mattered more than the scoreline suggested, given India's recent T20I struggles. India had lost 0-2 in Ireland and 4-0 in England in July, four months after winning the T20 World Cup at home.

They also drew the most recent home T20I series against the West Indies 2-2.

"This was a crucial series win, especially after the losses in Ireland and England. Abroad victories are even more important now because the next T20 World Cup is in Australia," said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).

India won the first two games in thrilling run-chases before the blowout win in the third T20I. With the five-match series sealed, the Men in Blue will look to continue their dominance in the fourth T20I in Auckland on October 30.

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