Now Reading: Ex-cricketer Panchal questions teen’s Duleep vice-captaincy
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Ex-cricketer Panchal questions teen’s Duleep vice-captaincy
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,…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
Panchal's concern about overburdening a teenager is understandable, but selectors argue that grooming future leaders early is necessary. Both sides have merit. The real test will be on the field: if Sooryavanshi's batting suffers or he looks overwhelmed, the critics will be vindicated. If he thrives, the selectors' long view will be proven right. Will a 15-year-old handle the dual demands of opening the batting and vice-captaincy in a four-day game?
Sources (2): sports.ndtv.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
