Priyank Panchal, the former captain of Gujarat, has voiced his concerns regarding the recent appointment of 15-year-old
Sooryavanshi, who will serve as the deputy to
Concerns Over Young Talent
Panchal expressed his thoughts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that the selectors might have been premature in their decision. "I think the zonal selectors could have avoided making Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the
This appointment has ignited a debate among fans and former players alike, with many advocating for a more gradual approach to leadership roles for young athletes. Critics argue that Sooryavanshi should be given ample time to develop his skills before stepping into a position of authority in one of India's most prestigious domestic tournaments.
Selectors Stand by Their Decision
In defense of their choice, the East Zone selectors have emphasized that their decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at nurturing Sooryavanshi's talent. Manish Vardhan, a former cricketer and member of the East Zone selection committee, explained, "We are not thinking about the present alone. A vice-captain gets to observe the captain closely and understand how a team is run. We wanted Vaibhav to be more involved with the group because we think it will help him as he develops. He's an extremely talented cricketer and is maturing steadily. Giving him this responsibility is another part of that process."
The 63rd edition of the Duleep Trophy is set to commence on August 23 at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The East Zone will face the North-East Zone in the opening match, while the West Zone will compete against the North Zone. The winners of these matches will advance to the semi-finals on August 30, with the final scheduled for September 5.
