Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named East Zone Vice-Captain For Duleep Trophy

Fifteen-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed as the vice-captain of the East Zone squad for the upcoming 2026-27 Duleep Trophy season. This decision, led by selectors, places him in a leadership role alongside captain Ishan Kishan. Despite his age, the appointment is a deliberate strategic move to groom the young athlete for future leadership positions and as an all-format player for India. East Zone selector Pravanjan Mullick emphasized that providing added responsibility is intended to accelerate his professional maturity.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has demonstrated rapid growth in domestic cricket, bolstered by experience as a vice-captain for Bihar in first-class matches and his participation in the U-19 World Cup. His recent credentials include a Player of the Series performance in India's T20I series against Zimbabwe and a highly successful IPL campaign with the Rajasthan Royals. As the only representative from Bihar in the current East Zone squad, he represents an emerging generation of talent under the mentorship of established seniors.

The East Zone squad preparing for the Duleep Trophy, which begins on August 23 in Bengaluru, features a blend of youth and experience. Alongside the new leadership duo, the team includes veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Abhimanyu Easwaran. This mentorship structure is designed to support Sooryavanshi's development while ensuring the squad remains competitive in the domestic circuit. Observers view this move as a strong indicator that selectors view the fifteen-year-old as a cornerstone of Indian cricket's future strategy.