Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is poised to make history as the youngest captain in recent domestic memory when he leads Bihar in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The BCCI-appointed selection committee, headed by Harvinder Singh, has formally named the 15-year-old batting sensation as captain, with Suraj Kashyap serving as his deputy. This strategic decision reflects a clear intent to inject fresh energy and leadership into a squad that has struggled to find consistency in the current season.
Selectors bet on teenage star’s leadership to reverse Bihar’s poor Ranji form
The appointment comes at a critical juncture for Bihar, which suffered a dismal start to the Ranji Trophy by losing all four of its opening matches. Previous captains Sakibul Gani and Mangal Mahrour failed to arrest the slide during their respective stints, prompting selectors Amitabh Vijayvargiya and S Sarath to turn to the teenager’s proven composure. By handing the reins to a player who has already navigated the high-pressure environments of the IPL and international cricket, the committee aims to stabilize the team’s performance and morale.
Vaibhav’s rapid ascent has been marked by standout performances, including his India T20I debut where he shared a record-breaking opening stand with Abhishek Sharma against New Zealand. His explosive 45 off just 19 balls in the third T20I demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, a trait the selection panel believes will translate to domestic leadership. As Bihar seeks a turnaround, Sooryavanshi’s appointment signals a bold shift toward nurturing young talent and leveraging his unique blend of skill and experience.
Source: Yahoo Sports
