Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Vice-Captain at 15 | Cricket News has sparked debate, but the East Zone selectors are standing firm. They insist the decision to make the 15-year-old Bihar player the deputy for the upcoming Duleep Trophy is part of a long-term growth strategy, not a statement about the team’s current hierarchy. While Ishan Kishan was the expected captain choice, the selection of Sooryavanshi raised eyebrows given his limited first-class experience.
Speaking to Cricinfo, selector Manish Vardhan explained that the role is an educational opportunity. A vice-captain gets to observe the captain closely and understand how a team is run, he said. Vardhan stressed that the committee is thinking about the future, aiming to involve the talented youngster in leadership discussions to aid his development. Crucially, he clarified that the appointment doesn’t make Sooryavanshi the automatic stand-in captain, suggesting an experienced player would take charge if Kishan were unavailable.
The decision to overlook veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran was deliberate. The committee felt it was inappropriate for a player of his 113-match pedigree to serve as deputy to a less experienced captain. Fellow selector Pravanjan Mullick believes the setup allows Sooryavanshi to learn leadership without the burden of captaincy. We want him to grow, maybe one day he could even captain India, Mullick stated, noting that Kishan’s role as wicketkeeper keeps him engaged throughout the game, giving the youngster a perfect viewing angle.
Ultimately, this Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Vice-Captain at 15 scenario is a bold investment in the future. The selectors are prioritizing player development over conventional hierarchy. While it remains a controversial pick for a premier domestic trophy, the decision highlights a clear vision to groom the next generation for India, with the young vice-captaincy serving as the first step in that journey.