Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Vice-Captain in Major Duleep Trophy Move
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named vice-captain of East Zone for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, marking another significant step in his rapidly advancing career. India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will captain the 15-member squad.
The prestigious domestic red-ball tournament is scheduled to begin on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Ishan Kishan Selected to Lead East Zone
Kishan enters the tournament following a productive T20I series against Zimbabwe. His 81 from 44 balls in the second match helped India secure a commanding 90-run victory and seal the series.
The selectors have placed their faith in his aggressive batting, international experience and previous leadership exposure as East Zone prepare for the multi-day competition.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Vice-Captain at Just 15
Sooryavanshi’s elevation to vice-captain is the standout feature of the squad announcement. The Bihar batter was only a standby player for East Zone in the previous Duleep Trophy season.
The 15-year-old has since strengthened his reputation with impressive performances at international level, including a Player of the Series campaign during India’s recent T20I tour of Zimbabwe.
His new role provides him with an opportunity to develop his leadership skills while gaining valuable experience in zonal red-ball cricket.
Mohammed Shami Strengthens Pace Attack
Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has also been included in the squad. His experience is expected to be valuable to a bowling unit that also features India pacer Mukesh Kumar and Bengal’s Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal.
Abhimanyu Easwaran adds stability to the batting order, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Anukul Roy provide useful all-round options. Kumar Kushagra and Virat Singh further strengthen a squad featuring a balanced combination of established players and emerging talent.
East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026
Ishan Kishan (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (vice-captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Anukul Roy, Virat Singh, Subhranshu Senapati, Denish Das and Abhijit Sarkar.
Standby Players
Ayush Loharuka, Sridam Paul, Sambit S. Baral, Sharandeep Singh and Swastik Samal.
A Major Leadership Opportunity for Sooryavanshi
The Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vice-captain appointment highlights the selectors’ confidence in one of Indian cricket’s most exciting young prospects. Playing alongside experienced internationals such as Kishan and Shami could prove crucial to his development in first-class cricket.
The squad and tournament details are supported by reports from Cricbuzz and the Rajasthan Royals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Vice-Captain
Who is the vice-captain of East Zone for the Duleep Trophy 2026?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed East Zone’s vice-captain for the 2026 Duleep Trophy.
Who will captain East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026?
India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will lead the 15-member East Zone squad.
When and where will the Duleep Trophy 2026 begin?
The tournament is scheduled to begin on August 23, 2026, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
DISCLAIMER
This report has been adapted from regional updates and verified sports reports available at the time of publication.
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