Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Vice-Captain, Selector Explains Decision

Many were startled by the choice to name 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone’s vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, especially given the squad’s depth of experience.

However, a member of the East Zone selection committee has stated that the decision was intended to develop the young batter for the future rather than putting him in the team’s leadership structure.

When the East Zone squad was announced, Ishan Kishan was named captain, a decision that received minimal criticism given his expertise at the domestic and international level.

Despite the inclusion of seasoned players such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has over 100 first-class games and leadership experience with Bengal and India A, as well as India pacers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, Sooryavanshi’s nomination as vice-captain sparked the most debate.

According to Manish Vardhan, Jharkhand’s representative on the East Zone selection committee, the decision was made with the youngster’s future development in mind.

Vardhan added that the vice-captaincy will provide Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the opportunity to closely examine Kishan’s leadership style and grasp the responsibilities that come with managing a team.

Vardhan further stated that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would not be automatically appointed captain if Kishan was unavailable during the competition. He disclosed that the selectors had not addressed such a scenario, but that they would most likely turn to a more experienced player to lead the team if necessary, while allowing the kid to continue learning in the vice-captain’s role.

Vardhan emphasised the goal of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appointment, saying it was never about hierarchy, but about grooming one of India’s greatest young brains for greater responsibilities in the future.