Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has publicly shared his reservations regarding the rapid elevation of teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into a leadership role within the Duleep Trophy. At just 15, Sooryavanshi has already garnered significant attention for his performances, including finishing as a top run-scorer in the Indian Premier League and securing a match-winning century in the U-19 World Cup final. However, the decision to name him the vice-captain for the East Zone side in the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament has drawn scrutiny from the legendary former captain.
During a recent Reddit Q&A session, Tendulkar was asked by a fan for his perspective on the teenager being entrusted with such a responsibility. Responding to the query, the batting maestro stated, "I feel it's too early for him to become a vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy. We have to let him play more matches with the red ball and take one step at a time!" Tendulkar’s stance reflects a concern for the long-term career management of a player who has already achieved high-level success at a very young age.
The appointment of Sooryavanshi as deputy to skipper Ishan Kishan was notable, given the presence of significantly more experienced players in the circuit. Before his selection for the Duleep Trophy, the youngster had participated in only eight red-ball matches for Bihar. His selection was made ahead of players like Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has accumulated more than 100 First-Class appearances. The East Zone selection committee later clarified that the move was intended to foster the player's development and should not be viewed as an indicator of the official hierarchy within the team.
Sooryavanshi actually received a practical initiation into leadership duties during the tournament when Ishan Kishan was forced to leave the field due to an injury. The 15-year-old assumed control of the squad, where he was tasked with critical on-field decisions, including the use of the Decision Review System (DRS). His active involvement in these strategic moments was captured on camera and subsequently gained significant traction on various social media platforms.
Beyond the domestic red-ball circuit, the youngster is also working to cement his place in India's T20I setup. He currently faces stiff competition for a spot in the top three from seasoned performers such as Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan. His development remains a focal point for observers of the game, as he navigates the transition from youth cricket to the rigours of the professional international stage.
During the same interaction, Tendulkar also took a moment to reflect on his own history leading the national side. He acknowledged the honour of serving as captain but admitted that the environment in the 1990s was quite different. He noted that he did not always have complete autonomy over team selection, adding that the BCCI today operates with much greater professionalism than it did during his playing days.
When prompted to identify his own favourite captains, Tendulkar highlighted the contributions of two stalwarts of Indian cricket. "As far as my favourite captains go, Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni would definitely be at the top of my list!!" he remarked. His assessment highlights the high regard he holds for the leadership styles that helped define modern Indian cricket. As for Sooryavanshi, the cricketing world will continue to monitor whether he follows the veteran's advice to balance his natural aggressive talent with the patience required for traditional red-ball success.
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