Bengaluru: Just a week after 15-year-old teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi took up the responsibility of vice-captain for the first time in the Duleep Trophy on Sunday, August 23, he has now been handed the unexpected responsibility of leading his team as captain on Sunday, August 30. The development is surprising not only for Indian cricket but for the entire cricket world.
The 15-year-old from Bihar’s Samastipur district was named the stand-in captain for East Zone in their Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone in Bengaluru on Sunday, August 30. With regular captain Ishan Kishan injured, the responsibility of leading the side fell on Vaibhav’s shoulders. After Kishan had to leave the field for treatment, Vaibhav took charge of the team during the 19th over of Central Zone’s innings. It marked the first time that he had captained a senior team.
Kishan, who is the wicketkeeper, was hit on his right wrist by the ball while fielding. The team physio provided immediate treatment on the field, but Kishan subsequently walked off and later returned with his hand strapped. In Kishan’s absence, Jharkhand’s Kumar Kushagra took over the wicketkeeping duties.
Vaibhav’s appointment as East Zone vice-captain earlier this month had come as a surprise to many, with the selectors also facing criticism over the decision. However, the selectors had maintained that the move was made keeping in mind Vaibhav’s long-term development as a cricketer.
Vaibhav had also surprised everyone with his bowling in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final between East Zone and North East Zone from August 23 to 25. The teenager picked up two wickets with the ball, further highlighting his growing all-round abilities.