.jpg?type=hq)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - (Source: ScreenGrab/X)
Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy final is underway at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. South Zone finally got to bat as Ishan Kishan-led East Zone put 708 runs on the board. In reply, South Zone have already lost two wickets by Lunch, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the one who must be credited for the first breakthrough.
Before the start of Duleep Trophy 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s appointment as Ishan Kishan’s deputy raised several eyebrows. However, the 15-year-old silenced his critics in style in the final with a brilliant call to take a review.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Presence Of Mind Puts East Zone Ahead
On the 2nd ball of the 6th over, Mukesh Kumar bowled a poor delivery drifting down the leg-side. However, Ricky Bhui looked to guide the wayward delivery for a boundary. The South Zone opener completely misjudged the length, and the ball went straight to Kumar Kushagra’s gloves.
The East Zone players were confident that they heard a noise but weren’t sure whether it was the bat or thigh pad. Meanwhile, East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav was super confident that it was bat first and urged his captain to take a review.
The stump mic caught Sooryavanshi telling Ishan Kishan to 'Take it... Take it'. Ishan Kishan put his trust in the youngster and asked for the third umpire’s intervention.
The replay showed Ricky Bhui knicking the delivery. Ishan Kishan was ecstatic with Sooryavanshi’s presence of mind. The entire team celebrated with the youngster and Mukesh Kumar rushed to hug Sooryavanshi.
Watch the video below:
Vaibhav Unfazed By Leadership Pressure
There were doubts whether Sooryavanshi will thrive under leadership pressure or continue to play his natural game. The 15-year-old struggled in the first innings of the ongoing tournament where he got out for just 8 (6) against Northeast Zone.
Also Read: Tilak Varma's Cheeky One-Liner Rattles Vaibhav Sooryavanshi In Duleep Trophy Final
Following that knock , Vaibhav has cleared the air around him and smacked a brilliant 92-run innings against Central Zone in the semis. Overall, he has scored 184 runs in 4 innings, averaging 46.
Sooryavanshi also got to lead East Zone in this tournament because Ishan Kishan injured his wrist and was briefly out of the ground. So far, the youngster has impressed with his leadership skills.
Sooryavanshi Still Out Of India Plans
Despite strong performances in this year's Duleep Trophy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is still out of India's Test plans. Before the Duleep Trophy final, a report from PTI mentioned that the selectors are not rushing Sooryavanshi's inclusion in Tests.
The report mentioned that the selectors are looking for consistency for selection in the red-ball format and the 15-year-old wonderkid, who has already made his India debut, has very little experience when it comes to red-ball cricket.
In his 10 First-Class appearances, the left-handed batter has 347 runs in 15 innings, averaging just 23.33.
