Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: The decision to name 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, but the selectors believe they are investing in the future of Indian cricket.With experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan appointed captain, Sooryavanshi’s elevation as deputy is not being viewed as an immediate leadership burden but as an opportunity to accelerate his development as a cricketer.One member of the East Zone selection committee explained the thinking behind the move, saying the teenager was not being handed the captaincy but was being prepared for greater responsibilities in the future. “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,” former Odisha Ranji player and selector Pravanjan Mullick told Cricbuzz.

‘Who knows, one day he could even become India’s captain’

Mullick revealed that the selectors’ decision was based on Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise and his ability to handle responsibility despite his age.“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,” he told Cricbuzz.The selectors also considered Sooryavanshi’s previous leadership experience. The teenage batter has already served as vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket and was part of India’s leadership group during the Under-19 World Cup triumph.“He has been doing very well for the country and also had an excellent IPL season with Rajasthan Royals. He is also the vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket,” Mullick said.The 15-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last year. He became one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL and went on to top the batting charts during the tournament, earning widespread praise for his fearless approach. He was also named Player of the Series during India’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP Photo)

Selectors back Sooryavanshi despite criticism

The East Zone selection committee meeting was held at Eden Gardens, with representatives from the Cricket Association of Bengal, Jharkhand State Cricket Association, Tripura Cricket Association, Bihar Cricket Association and Odisha Cricket Association taking part.Mullick clarified that there was no discussion with Sooryavanshi before the decision was made.“No, none at all. It was a collective decision taken by all the selectors from the eastern states. He has the ability to handle responsibility and is capable of leading the team when required,” he said.The selector also highlighted the importance of the Duleep Trophy as an opportunity for Sooryavanshi to impress national selectors.“More importantly, this is a great opportunity for him to score runs. If he performs well in the Duleep Trophy, the national selectors will certainly be watching him. You never know, he could be in contention for the Indian Test team sooner rather than later,” Mullick added.Addressing criticism over the appointment, Mullick said the selectors respected different opinions but stood by their decision.“With due respect to everyone expressing their views, they are entitled to their opinions. Everyone has a right to think differently, and we cannot change that. But we did what we believed was best for the team. It was a collective decision,” he said.East Zone, featuring players like Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhimanyu Easwaran, will begin their Duleep Trophy campaign against North Zone in Bengaluru on August 23.