Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-anticipated first day as East Zone vice-captain ended in disappointment as the teenage batter was dismissed for just eight runs in the Duleep Trophy 2026 quarter-final against North East Zone. After all the attention surrounding his red-ball audition, his stay at the crease lasted only six deliveries.
Opening alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran after East Zone were asked to bat first at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Sooryavanshi initially looked ready to make an impact. Right-arm medium pacer Bishworjit Konthoujam was the bowler, and the left-hander immediately showed the attacking intent that has become a trademark of his rapid rise.
Two boundaries came off successive deliveries. The first was tucked through mid-wicket after Konthoujam angled the ball into him, before Sooryavanshi punched the next delivery through cover for another four.
But just when it appeared the 15-year-old was settling into his innings, Konthoujam found the answer. He corrected his line and length for the final delivery of the over, bowling a good-length ball just outside off and cramping Sooryavanshi for room.
Sooryavanshi tried to play the ball on the up through point, but the shot carried straight to the fielder at gully. Just like that, the big red-ball audition was over, with the youngster walking back for eight and East Zone losing one of their most closely watched batters.
A DISAPPOINTING START FOR SOORYAVANSHI
There was plenty riding on Sooryavanshi’s Duleep Trophy campaign. The Bihar youngster had been handed the added responsibility of East Zone vice-captaincy, serving as deputy to India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan in a squad that also includes veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami.
His appointment reflected the confidence selectors have placed in him. Sooryavanshi was also named Bihar’s vice-captain for the opening two rounds of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy and has rapidly moved from domestic prospect to India T20I player.
He recently made his senior India debut against England in Manchester before announcing himself with an 81 off 49 balls against Zimbabwe in Harare. He also jumped 230 places in the latest ICC T20I rankings.
But red-ball cricket demands something different, and this Duleep Trophy campaign was meant to give Sooryavanshi valuable exposure against experienced first-class players. Instead, North East Zone appeared to have a clear plan for him, and Konthoujam executed it after the youngster’s bright start.
At the time of writing, East Zone had recovered to 110/2 after 23 overs in the opening session, with Kumar Kushagra completing his fifty and Sudip Kumar Gharami providing solid support. Their partnership helped steady the innings after the early dismissals of Sooryavanshi and Easwaran.
There is still a chance for Sooryavanshi to change the narrative in the second innings. A substantial contribution later in the match could help erase the disappointment of his first outing and give East Zone an important boost in their bid to progress.
– Ends
