Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s first match as captain produced an amusing moment on Saturday when the 15-year-old admitted he had forgotten Bihar’s playing XI after winning the toss against Saurashtra in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy opener at Holkar Stadium.
After choosing to bat, Sooryavanshi was asked about his team’s combination. Smiling, he replied: “I think, sir, bhool gaya lagta main (I think, sir, I have forgotten).”
The light-hearted exchange quickly drew attention on a landmark day for the teenage batting prodigy, who became the youngest captain in men’s T20 cricket history at 15 years and 232 days.
Sooryavanshi surpassed the previous record held by Croatia’s Zach Vukusic, who captained his national side at 17 years and 311 days in a T20 International against Cyprus on August 7, 2025.
‘Dream come true’: Sooryavanshi on leading Bihar
The Bihar youngster called the chance to captain his home state a special moment and expressed gratitude for the responsibility.
“It feels like a dream come true because I started playing cricket here, and getting the opportunity to lead the same state is a big thing. I am very grateful, and I will try to fulfil the responsibility given to me to the best of my ability,” he said.
Bihar appointed Sooryavanshi as captain for the first two matches of the domestic T20 competition. The role is another milestone in his rapid rise, coming just five months after his India debut. He was also named vice-captain of East Zone for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, serving as deputy to Ishan Kishan.
His first outing as Bihar captain did not yield a major score with the bat. Sooryavanshi made 18 off 12 deliveries before being caught and bowled by left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya.
Bihar posted 137/9 in their 20 overs, with Prithvi Raj top-scoring with 38. Saurashtra chased the target in 16.3 overs to secure a five-wicket win. Harvansh Pangalia led the chase with 33 off just 11 balls, hitting three sixes and three fours.
Brief SMAT stint before India A assignment
Sooryavanshi is expected to play only one more SMAT match before joining India A for the ACC Rising Stars Emerging tournament in Doha from November 19.
His most recent international appearance came on India’s T20I tour of New Zealand, where he scored 49 runs in two matches. His 19-ball 45, part of a 133-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma in just 7.1 overs, was one of the highlights of India’s 3-2 series victory.
