![Sooryavanshi DRS masterstroke in Duleep Trophy 2026 [Source: Screengrab/JioHotstar]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1788080800056_SooryavanshiDRSmasterstrokeinDuleepTrophy2026(1).jpg?type=hq)
Sooryavanshi DRS masterstroke in Duleep Trophy 2026 [Source: Screengrab/JioHotstar]
An unfortunate injury to Ishan Kishan led to a 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becoming the stand-in East Zone captain in the Duleep Trophy 2026. Sooryavanshi was announced as the team’s vice-captain when the squad was announced, and in the semifinals against the Central Zone, the teenager got his first taste of captaincy.
His first big test as captain occurred when the youngster had to take a DRS call for caught behind, and Sooryavanshi’s punt worked for East Zone as his masterstroke helped the East Zone scalp a crucial wicket.
Sooryavanshi's DRS masterstroke gets wicket for East Zone
The event happened in the 40th over of the Central Zone innings when Mukesh Kumar bowled a length delivery that nipped away from Aryan Juyal, and the East Zone player erupted in joy, thinking they had got the big wicket.
The on-field umpire felt there was no bat involved, as Sooryavanshi and his teammates had a discussion regarding taking the DRS. With just three seconds remaining, captain Sooryavanshi took a bold call as he opted for the review.
The replays suggested that there was a slight nick when the ball went past the bat, and the original decision was overturned as Sooryavanshi’s gamble of taking the DRS with just three seconds remaining paid off for his team, and Juyal departed for 46.
After the wicket, the 15-year-old captain flexed his timely decision as he adjusted his sunglasses, and showed it to his teammates.
Why Sooryavanshi's DRS call was timely for East Zone
Ishan Kishan sustained a wrist injury in the 20th over when Sooryavanshi replaced him as the captain of the team. By the time Kishan was leading, Central Zone had lost two wickets and was looking to build a partnership.
Also Read: Ishan Kishan's Injury Kicks Off Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Captaincy Era In Duleep Trophy 2026
Since then, under the watchful eyes of the teenage prodigy, East Zone has scalped three more wickets as Central Zone has lost 5 wickets for 178 runs (at the time of writing).
However, the wicket of Aryan Juyal has to be the most productive, and the credit should be given to the stand-in skipper of the team. Juyal was looking rock solid at 46 when he edged one to the keeper, and the 15-year-old captain took the DRS call.
It was due to his decision that East Zone got the prized Juyal scalp, and it broke Central Zone’s momentum.
Sooryavanshi's first assignment as captain at an elite level
Interestingly, this is Sooryavanshi’s first taste of captaincy at an elite level, and so far, things have gone according to his plans. Last year, he was named Bihar's vice-captain during the Ranji Trophy season. He was also the vice-captain of the India Under-19 team that won the World Cup, earlier this year.
However, for the first time, the Samastipur-born has been given the captaincy armband, and that too, at an elite level in the Duleep Trophy semis.
Meanwhile, if East Zone goes on to beat the Central Zone and reach the final, the win wouldn’t be counted under Sooryavanshi’s record since Kishan is the main captain of the side.
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