Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
(Video grabs)

Teen Prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Intensifies Duleep Trophy Preparations Amidst Leadership Role

NEW DELHI: Fresh off a stellar tour of Zimbabwe, teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
has wasted no time in hitting the nets, sharing a glimpse of his rigorous batting preparations ahead of the new
domestic season and the highly anticipated Duleep Trophy. The 15-year-old’s proactive approach underscores his
dedication as he steps into a pivotal phase of his burgeoning career.

Sooryavanshi posted a video on his official Instagram account showcasing an intense net session, where he
diligently focused on refining both his defensive techniques and aggressive strokeplay. “Preparation,” he
succinctly captioned the post, highlighting his commitment to honing his skills.

This concentrated effort arrives at a crucial juncture for Sooryavanshi, who has been named vice-captain of the
East Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. He will serve alongside experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who will
lead the side. This elevation to a leadership role has garnered significant attention, particularly given
Sooryavanshi’s tender age and his rapid ascent in the cricketing world over the past year.

Watch: Sooryavanshi gets ready
for Duleep Trophy

East Zone selector Pravanjan Mullick clarified that the appointment as vice-captain is a strategic move aimed at
gradually acclimatizing the young talent to increased responsibility, rather than burdening him with immediate
captaincy. “He has not been made the captain. He has only been made the vice-captain. The captain is Ishan
Kishan. Besides, Ishan is a wicketkeeper, so he will be actively involved throughout the day. It is not as
though Vaibhav will be captaining the team all day. As he grows, he is maturing day by day. Giving him more
responsibility will help him mature even further,” Mullick told Cricbuzz following the squad announcement.

Mullick also emphasized Sooryavanshi’s prior experience in leadership positions, citing his past role as Bihar’s
vice-captain in first-class cricket and his participation in India’s leadership group during their Under-19
World Cup campaign. “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 giving young players responsibility is
important. Who knows? We are keeping our fingers crossed that one day he could even become India’s captain. That
is the thought behind giving him the vice-captaincy,” Mullick added, underscoring the long-term vision behind
this strategic decision.

Zimbabwe success followed England setback

Sooryavanshi’s current preparations follow a highly successful tour of Zimbabwe, where he emerged as India’s
leading run-scorer. He amassed an impressive 151 runs in just three innings at a remarkable average of 50.33 and
an explosive strike rate of 196.10. His stellar performance included two half-centuries, highlighted by an
unbeaten 81, earning him the Player of the Series award as India clinched their first T20I series victory under
captain Shreyas Iyer.

This triumph marked a significant turnaround for Sooryavanshi, especially after a challenging start to his
international career during the England tour, where he struggled to cross the 20-run mark in his three innings.
He now boasts six T20I appearances, with a total of 193 runs at an average of 32.16 and an astonishing strike
rate of 189.21, including two impactful fifties.

The Duleep Trophy presents a distinctly different challenge for the young batsman. This prestigious tournament
will offer Sooryavanshi an invaluable opportunity to test his batting prowess in the longer format of the game,
with national selectors keenly observing his progress and adaptability.

The East Zone squad, featuring a formidable line-up including Kishan, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed,
and Abhimanyu Easwaran, is scheduled to commence its campaign against North Zone in Bengaluru on August 23rd.