The selection process for the Indian Test cricket team typically follows a well-established path, beginning with performances in the state-level Ranji Trophy, advancing to the zonal Duleep Trophy, and then to the Rest of India XI in the Irani Cup. Success at this final stage often leads to selection for the India A first-class team, where players await opportunities to break into the national squad.
Abhimanyu Easwaran is one player who has navigated this route, having captained India A and even made it to the Test squad, yet he still seeks his first Test cap. His Bengal teammate, Mohammed Shami, one of India's premier fast bowlers, continues to work towards a comeback. Both players are part of the East Zone squad for this year's Duleep Trophy, which is a significant tournament in India's domestic cricket calendar.
Leading the East Zone side is Ishan Kishan, who previously guided India to the U19 World Cup final in 2016 and secured Jharkhand's inaugural Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2026. Notably, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named vice-captain, a role that raises eyebrows given his limited experience, with a batting average of just 17.60 across eight first-class matches.
This is not Sooryavanshi's first taste of leadership; he previously served as vice-captain for Bihar during the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy season, albeit in a less competitive Plate League. His promotion to vice-captain at such a young age reflects a significant shift in how young talents are being integrated into leadership roles within Indian cricket.
Since his earlier stint, Sooryavanshi has made headlines for his remarkable performances in limited-overs formats. In February 2026, he delivered a standout innings in the U19 World Cup final, followed by a record-breaking run in the 2026 IPL, where he set numerous benchmarks that caught the attention of selectors. His achievements include hitting the fastest List A hundred and being named Player of the Series in his first full series against Zimbabwe.
Despite these accolades, Sooryavanshi's experience in first-class cricket remains limited. He has only one half-century in 12 innings, which raises questions about his readiness for the responsibilities that come with being a vice-captain in a senior red-ball team. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance in youth cricket, including two centuries against Australia in Youth Tests, his overall first-class average stands at a modest 33.1.
Critics, including renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, have expressed concerns regarding the decision to appoint Sooryavanshi as vice-captain at such an early stage in his career. While there is no doubt about his extraordinary talent, the expectation to lead a team of seasoned players could prove to be a steep learning curve for the young cricketer.
As Sooryavanshi embarks on this new chapter in the Duleep Trophy, it remains to be seen how he will adapt to the challenges of domestic red-ball cricket, especially as he transitions from the high-pressure environments of the IPL and international youth competitions to the more traditional format. This role could either accelerate his development or place undue pressure on a player still finding his footing in the longer format of the game.
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