NEW DELHI: The decision to name 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy has raised eyebrows in the cricketing world, but the selectors believe they are investing in the future of Indian cricket.With experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan appointed captain, Sooryavanshi’s elevation as deputy is not seen as an immediate leadership charge, but as an opportunity to accelerate his development as a cricketer.A member of the East Zone selection committee explained the thinking behind the move, saying that the teenager was not given the captaincy, but was being prepared for more responsibilities in the future. “He was not made the captain. He was made only the vice-captain. The captain is Ishan Kishan. Also, Ishan is a wicketkeeper, so he will be actively involved throughout the day. It is not like Vaibhav will be captaining the team all day. As he grows, he is mature day by day. Give him more responsibility even more mature, Pravan, will help him the former selector Pravan. Mullick told to Cricbuzz.
“Who knows, one day he might even become India’s captain”
Mullick revealed that the selectors’ decision was based on Sooryavanshi’s rapid growth and his ability to handle the responsibility despite his age.“This is a great opportunity for him to take on the responsibility of being vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy. He wants to do well for the country, and we believe that giving responsibility to young players is important. Who knows? Let’s keep our fingers crossed that one day he might even become the captain of India.” This is the thought of giving him the vice-captaincy,” he told Cricbuzz.The selectors also considered Sooryavanshi’s previous leadership experience. The teenage batsman has previously served as Bihar’s vice-captain in first-class cricket and was part of India’s leadership group during the Under-19 World Cup triumph.“He has done very well for the country and also had an excellent IPL season with Rajasthan Royals. He is also the vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket,” said Mullick.The 15-year-old has had a meteoric rise over the past year. He became one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL and topped the batting charts during the tournament, earning widespread praise for his fearless approach. He was also named Player of the Series during India’s tour of Zimbabwe.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP Photo)
Selectors return to Sooryavanshi despite criticism
The East Zone selection committee meeting was held at Eden Gardens, with representatives from Cricket Association of Bengal, Jharkhand State Cricket Association, Tripura Cricket Association, Bihar Cricket Association and Odisha Cricket Association.Mullick clarified that there was no discussion with Sooryavanshi before the decision was taken.“No, none at all. It was a collective decision taken by all the selectors of the eastern states. He has the ability to handle the responsibility and is able to lead the team when needed,” he said.The selector also highlighted the importance of the Duleep Trophy as an opportunity for Sooryavanshi to impress the national selectors.“More importantly, this is a great opportunity for him to score runs. If he performs well in the Duleep Trophy, the national selectors will certainly be looking at him. You never know, he could be in contention for the Indian Test team sooner than later,” Mullick added.Addressing criticism over the appointment, Mullick said selectors respected differing opinions but stood by their decision.“With due respect to everyone who expresses their views, they are entitled to their opinions. Everyone has the right to think differently, and we cannot change that. But we did what we believed was best for the team. It was a collective decision,” he said.The East Zone, featuring players like Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhimanyu Easwaran, will begin their Duleep Trophy campaign against the North Zone in Bengaluru on August 23.
- East Zone Team: 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 Dakar Senapati,,,.