Our Bureau
Kolkata
In a significant vote of confidence for one of Indian cricket’s brightest young talents, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed vice-captain of the East Zone team for the 2026–27 Duleep Trophy, making him one of the youngest players to hold a leadership role in the prestigious domestic competition. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will lead the side when the tournament begins on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The selectors’ decision comes on the back of Sooryavanshi’s remarkable rise over the past few months. The teenage opener recently starred in India’s T20I series win over Zimbabwe, finishing as the Player of the Series after an impressive run with the bat. His rapid development has earned him recognition not only as a promising batter but also as a potential leader for the future.
The East Zone squad blends youth with experience, featuring senior names such as Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shahbaz Ahmed alongside emerging players. However, notable absentees include Riyan Parag and Akash Deep, who are unavailable due to rehabilitation.
The appointment has sparked widespread discussion within the cricket fraternity, with some questioning whether leadership responsibilities have come too early for the teenager. East Zone selectors, however, defended the move, stating that it reflects the management’s long-term vision of grooming Sooryavanshi for bigger responsibilities and their belief in his maturity and leadership potential despite his age.
The Duleep Trophy, which retains its traditional zonal format this season, will run from August 23 to September 10 and marks the start of India’s domestic red-ball calendar. For Sooryavanshi, the tournament presents another opportunity to strengthen his credentials in first-class cricket while taking his first major steps in a leadership role.