Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's path to the Indian Test team could get faster after his appointment as East Zone vice-captain for the Duleep Trophy. The decision has split opinion, but one of the selectors behind it says the added responsibility will help the youngster grow both as a player and a leader.
Selector Defends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Vice-Captaincy Decision
East Zone selector Pravanjan Mullick has defended the move to name Sooryavanshi as vice-captain despite his young age. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Mullick made it clear that Ishan Kishan remains the team's captain and will continue to lead from behind the stumps throughout the tournament.
The selector stressed that the vice-captaincy role is part of a larger plan to develop Sooryavanshi. East Zone is convinced the responsibility will help his growth as a batter and as a leader, according to the original story.
How Vice-Captaincy Could Speed Up India Test Debut
Mullick believes the added responsibility could speed up Sooryavanshi's journey towards the Indian Test team. The teenager has been handed greater responsibility ahead of the Duleep Trophy, with selectors viewing this as a stepping stone rather than just a ceremonial role.
"The teenager has been handed greater responsibility ahead of the Duleep Trophy, with East Zone convinced the role will help his growth both as a batter and a leader." — Cricbuzz
The decision has divided opinion, with some questioning whether such a young player should take on leadership duties. However, Mullick's explanation suggests the selectors see this as a calculated move to fast-track Sooryavanshi's development.
What This Means for Sooryavanshi's Test Ambitions
The vice-captaincy role places Sooryavanshi in a position where he must think beyond his own game. Leading a team in a first-class tournament like the Duleep Trophy requires tactical awareness, communication skills, and the ability to perform under pressure — all qualities that selectors look for in Test cricketers.
By giving him this responsibility now, East Zone selectors are testing whether Sooryavanshi can handle the mental demands of international cricket. The Duleep Trophy will serve as a proving ground where he can show he is not just a talented batter but also a player who can shoulder responsibility.
Our Take: A Smart Move for Indian Cricket
In our view, this decision makes sense. Giving a young player leadership responsibility early in his career is not a risk — it is an investment. The selectors are not replacing Ishan Kishan; they are preparing the next generation of Indian cricket leaders.
Sooryavanshi has already shown he can perform at the highest domestic level. Now he gets a chance to show he can lead. If he succeeds in this role, his case for an India Test call-up becomes much stronger. If he struggles, he learns valuable lessons that will help him later.
To put it plainly, this is how good teams are built. You identify talent, give it responsibility, and watch it grow. The Duleep Trophy will tell us a lot about whether Sooryavanshi is ready for the biggest stage of all.
The focus now shifts to the tournament itself. All eyes will be on how the young vice-captain handles the pressure — and whether this decision proves to be the push that takes him from domestic star to India Test player.
