The East Zone selection committee has defended its decision to appoint 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, describing the move as an investment in the future of Indian cricket rather than an immediate leadership responsibility.
With experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan named captain, selectors believe Sooryavanshi will have the opportunity to gradually develop his leadership skills while continuing to focus on his batting.
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Former Odisha cricketer and East Zone selector Pravanjan Mullick said the teenager was not being burdened with captaincy but was instead being groomed for greater responsibilities. He noted that Kishan, as wicketkeeper, would remain actively involved in leading the side throughout the match, allowing Sooryavanshi to learn without excessive pressure.
Mullick said the selectors were encouraged by the youngster’s rapid rise and previous leadership experience. Sooryavanshi has already served as Bihar’s vice-captain in first-class cricket and was part of India’s leadership group during the Under-19 World Cup campaign. He added that the selectors hoped the talented batter could one day even captain the Indian team.
The 15-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year. He became one of the youngest players to feature in the Indian Premier League, impressed with Rajasthan Royals through fearless batting, and was later named Player of the Series during India’s tour of Zimbabwe.
Addressing criticism over the appointment, Mullick said the decision was taken collectively by representatives from the eastern state associations and reflected the committee’s confidence in Sooryavanshi’s ability to handle responsibility.
East Zone will begin their Duleep Trophy campaign against North Zone in Bengaluru on August 23, with senior players including Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhimanyu Easwaran featuring in the squad alongside the teenage prodigy.
East Zone Squad: Ishan Kishan (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (vc), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Kumar Kushagra, Shikjar Mohan, Anukul Roy, Virat Singh, Subhransu Senapati, Denish Das, Abhijit Sarkar.
