Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added another remarkable chapter to his rapidly rising cricket career after the 15-year-old was handed the captaincy of East Zone during their Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Sooryavanshi, who had entered the tournament as East Zone’s vice-captain, was thrust into the leadership role after regular skipper Ishan Kishan suffered an injury to his right hand while keeping wickets. The teenager took charge during the 19th over of Central Zone’s first innings, marking his first stint as captain of a senior men’s first-class side.

Kishan’s injury opens door for teenage skipper

Kishan was struck on his right wrist while keeping and received immediate treatment from the team’s physiotherapists. He subsequently left the field for further medical assessment and was later seen with his hand heavily strapped.

With Kishan unavailable, Kumar Kushagra took over the wicketkeeping duties, while Sooryavanshi assumed responsibility for leading the East Zone side.

The unexpected promotion made the teenager one of the youngest players to take charge of a senior first-class team, adding another significant milestone to a career that has progressed at remarkable speed.

Sooryavanshi’s appointment as vice-captain ahead of the tournament had itself attracted attention. East Zone selectors, however, had backed the decision, saying the move was intended to contribute to his long-term development rather than address an immediate leadership requirement.

From emerging talent to Captain

The teenager’s elevation comes only around two years after he made his first-class debut. The Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone is his second appearance in the competition and his 10th first-class match overall.

Despite being the youngest player on the field, Sooryavanshi found himself leading a team featuring experienced international and domestic cricketers, including Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Abhimanyu Easwaran.

His first session in charge also produced an encouraging start for East Zone. Central Zone were reduced to 36/2 early in their innings before reaching 81/3 by lunch, with East Zone’s bowlers keeping the opposition under pressure.

Sooryavanshi had already made an impact in the tournament’s quarter-final, taking two wickets in four balls against North East Zone despite managing only eight runs with the bat.

Another landmark in rapid rise

The youngster’s emergence has been one of the most talked-about stories in Indian cricket. His rapid progression from domestic cricket to increasingly significant responsibilities has now taken another leap with an unexpected leadership opportunity.

Whatever the outcome of the semi-final, Sooryavanshi’s elevation to captain at just 15 ensures that the Duleep Trophy encounter will remain a defining moment in his early career.