'He didn't know I'm a wicket-taker': How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turned the tables on Ishan Kishan

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is rapidly establishing himself as an all-round asset. When his primary skill with the bat falters, the prodigy finds other ways to swing matches, as demonstrated during East Zone's Duleep Trophy clash against North East Zone. With Ishan Kishan’s side struggling to break a stubborn partnership, Sooryavanshi was introduced as a surprise left-arm spin option. The move paid off immediately as he snatched two quick wickets, finishing with standout figures of 2 for 11 in just three overs to put East Zone firmly in command.

Ishan Kishan didn't know that I'm a wicket taker: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Reflecting on his match-winning spell, the teenager offered a glimpse into the confidence driving his performances. He admitted that captain Kishan was hesitant about bringing him into the attack, completely unaware of his effectiveness with the ball. Sooryavanshi made an impact almost instantly by luring Kishan Lyngdoh into a mis-timed shot to mid-wicket, before removing Imliwati Lemtur with an edge behind the stumps just a few deliveries later.

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In a clip released by BCCI Domestic, Sooryavanshi playfully pointed out that his skipper's calculated gamble was actually a safe bet. He explained that batters naturally love to bowl, and with the opposition refusing to yield, he was trusted with a brief three-over spell. Knowing his opportunity with the ball would be limited regardless of his success, he focused entirely on consistently hitting a tight line and length. Having missed out with the bat earlier in the game, the young sensation relished the chance to make his mark with the ball, noting that nothing compares to the thrill of a batter picking up crucial wickets for the team.

“If you ask any batter, he enjoys bowling. Or if you ask a bowler, he enjoys batting. The opponents weren't losing wickets, so I was asked to bowl 2-3 overs. Ishan bhaiya thought that he was taking a risk in giving me the ball. But he didn't know that I'm a wicket taker,” Sooryavanshi said in a video shared by BCCI Domestic.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi looks to deliver with the bat in Duleep Trophy semifinal

Despite serving as East Zone's vice-captain, Sooryavanshi had a brief outing with the bat, managing only eight runs off six deliveries. He wasn't needed for a second knock, as East Zone cruised to a commanding victory by an innings and 210 runs.

His impact with the ball proved crucial in sealing the game. Stepping up when his batting fell short, Sooryavanshi triggered a mid-innings collapse by picking up two quick wickets, reducing North East Zone from 75/5 to 79/7. The match was dominated by East Zone from the outset, after they posted a massive first-innings total of 467 and bundled out North East Zone for 111 to enforce the follow-on. Sooryavanshi’s timely double blow in the second innings put any lingering resistance to rest, expediting their path to an emphatic win. Looking ahead, Sooryavanshi will return to action on Sunday as East Zone faces Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.