East Zone selectors have defended their decision to appoint 16-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, insisting the move is aimed at preparing him for bigger leadership roles in the future despite criticism from several quarters.
The appointment has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether such a young player should be entrusted with a leadership role in a prestigious domestic tournament. However, East Zone selector Pravanjan Mullick said the decision was carefully considered and backed unanimously by the selection panel.
“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 said.
He added that the selectors viewed the appointment as an investment in Sooryavanshi’s long-term development.
“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 said.
The selectors also pointed to Sooryavanshi’s previous leadership experience, noting that he serves as Bihar’s vice-captain in first-class cricket and was vice-captain of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning side. His recent performances, including topping the IPL batting charts and earning the Player of the Series award during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, further strengthened their confidence, although he endured a relatively quiet T20I series in England.
Mullick revealed that the decision was taken collectively during the East Zone selection committee meeting at Eden Gardens and that there were no prior discussions with the player.
“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.
Responding to criticism on social and traditional media, Mullick maintained that the selectors stood firmly behind their choice.
“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.”
The inter-zonal Duleep Trophy begins in Bengaluru on August 23, with East Zone opening its campaign against North Zone.
