Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appointed East Zone vice-captain for Duleep Trophy
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged fifteen, has been named East Zone vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Selectors view the move as an investment in the future of Indian cricket that will accelerate his development, and Ishan Kishan will captain the side to ease immediate leadership pressure on the youngster.
The decision places a teenager into a formal leadership role within a zonal side ahead of one of India's domestic marquee events. Selectors cited both long-term development goals and the player's prior leadership experience when making the choice. Ishan Kishan’s appointment as captain was framed as a measure to manage the responsibilities placed on Sooryavanshi. The selectors' assessment also referenced Sooryavanshi’s recent impact in the IPL as a factor that influenced their deliberations.
Those involved in selection emphasised the developmental rationale behind the promotion rather than framing it as an immediate test of captaincy at the highest levels. By pairing a young vice-captain with an established leader in Kishan, the zone aims to balance mentorship with on-field authority. The arrangement is intended to introduce Sooryavanshi to leadership duties without exposing him to the full burden of captaincy from the outset.
Sooryavanshi’s history of holding leadership positions at earlier stages of his career was highlighted as evidence that he can benefit from greater responsibility. Selectors pointed to those prior roles when explaining why he was entrusted with the vice-captaincy. Those experiences, the panel believes, provide a foundation on which he can build as he adjusts to the demands of zonal competition.
The youngster’s recent form in the Indian Premier League was also noted as a contributing factor to the selection committee’s decision. Selectors said that his strong performances in the IPL validated their assessment of his readiness for a stepped-up role. That combination of leadership background and competitive success weighed in favour of naming him vice-captain.
The appointment signals a deliberate approach by the selectors to nurture emerging talent within a structured environment. With Ishan Kishan carrying the captaincy, Sooryavanshi will have an opportunity to gain leadership experience while the team maintains experienced on-field direction. Selectors expect the arrangement to aid his development without forcing an immediate transition to full leadership responsibility.