3 days ago
15-Year-Old Sooryavanshi Takes East Zone Captaincy After Kishan Injury
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a 15-year-old cricketer from Bihar.
He was playing for East Zone in a Duleep Trophy semi-final.
He had been chosen as the team’s vice-captain.
During the game, captain Ishan Kishan hurt his hand while keeping wicket.
Kishan left the field to receive more medical care.
Kumar Kushagra took over as wicketkeeper.
Sooryavanshi then became the team’s stand-in captain.
This was his first time captaining a senior men’s team.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became East Zone’s stand-in captain during its Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone in Bengaluru.
The 15-year-old, who was named vice-captain, took over during the 19th over of Central Zone’s innings.
Regular captain Ishan Kishan left after being struck on his hand while keeping wicket and receiving treatment.
Reports variously described Kishan’s injury as affecting his left hand and fingers or his right wrist.
Kumar Kushagra replaced Kishan as wicketkeeper, while Sooryavanshi led the side for the first time in senior men’s cricket.
- Who
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took over as East Zone captain after Ishan Kishan was injured; Kumar Kushagra became wicketkeeper.
- What
- Sooryavanshi assumed the stand-in captaincy during a Duleep Trophy semi-final.
- Where
- Bengaluru, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
- When
- Sunday, during the 19th over of Central Zone’s innings on Day 1.
- Why
- Kishan was struck on the hand while keeping wicket and left for further medical attention.
Supporters of the appointment
Those questioning the appointment
Giving Sooryavanshi leadership responsibility
Supporters of the appointment
Jharkhand selector Manish Vardhan said the vice-captaincy would allow Sooryavanshi to observe the captain, understand how a team is managed and develop through greater involvement.
Those questioning the appointment
The decision to appoint a 15-year-old vice-captain raised eyebrows among domestic cricket fans, particularly because the squad included experienced players.
Readiness for senior cricket
Supporters of the appointment
Supporters viewed his elevation to captain as part of his development and as recognition of his rapid progress, including earlier leadership roles with India’s Under-19 team and Bihar.
Those questioning the appointment
Critics questioned whether a teenager should hold a leadership role in a senior zonal side, although the reports do not identify specific objections beyond the appointment raising eyebrows.
Key facts
- Competition
- Duleep Trophy semi-final
- Match
- East Zone versus defending champions Central Zone
- Sooryavanshi’s age
- 15
- Sooryavanshi’s role
- East Zone vice-captain who became stand-in captain
- Kishan’s role
- East Zone captain and wicketkeeper
- Injury report
- Reports differed, identifying Kishan’s left hand and fingers or right wrist
- Replacement wicketkeeper
- Kumar Kushagra
Quotes
Manish Vardhan
Jharkhand selector who defended Sooryavanshi’s appointment as East Zone vice-captain
“We are not thinking about the present alone. A vice-captain gets to observe the captain closely and understand how a team is run. We wanted Vaibhav to be more involved with the group because we think it will help him as he develops. He's an extremely talented cricketer and is maturing steadily. Giving him this responsibility is another part of that process.”
livemint.com
Sources
Sooryavanshi takes charge as East Zone captain in Duleep semis after Kishan injury
Duleep Trophy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi takes over as East Zone stand-in captain after Ishan Kishan suffers injury
Duleep Trophy: 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi steps up as captain after Kishan's injury
15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Captains East Zone After Ishan Kishan Suffers Injury In Duleep Trophy 2026 Semi-Final
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