# Ex-cricketer Panchal questions teen’s Duleep vice-captaincy 2026-08-07T11:02:06+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Former Gujarat captain Priyank Panchal has criticised the appointment of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone vice-captain for the Duleep Trophy, calling it unnecessary pressure. Sooryavanshi, who will deputise for Ishan Kishan, has played only eight first-class matches for Bihar, while more experienced players like Abhimanyu Easwaran (113 first-class games) were overlooked. Panchal posted on X that the teenager should first understand red-ball cricket before taking on leadership duties. East Zone selectors defended the move, calling it part of a long-term development plan. Manish Vardhan, Jharkhand's representative on the selection committee, said the role allows Sooryavanshi to observe captaincy closely. The 63rd Duleep Trophy begins on August 23 in Bengaluru, with East Zone facing North-East Zone in the opening round. ## Coverage - sports.ndtv.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: domestic cricket, Duleep Trophy, East Zone, Priyank Panchal, selection controversy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/panchal-criticises-sooryavanshis-duleep-trophy-vice-captaincy/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/panchal-criticises-sooryavanshis-duleep-trophy-vice-captaincy/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.