In a series of surprising events, Former Gujarat and West Zone batter Priyank Panchal has raised questions on East Zone's decision to hand Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the role of vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Panchal believes that the leadership role could put a lot of unwanted pressure on the shoulders of the 15-year-old batter at an early age of his career.
Priyank Panchal slams Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's appointment
Sooryavanshi will serve as Ishan Kishan's deputy for East Zone in the upcoming zonal competition. However, the move has sparked criticism among fans and former players, with some arguing that the rising young opener must have the time to establish himself at the senior level before being burdened with the role of vice-captaincy.
The decision to hand the vice-captaincy role to Sooryavanshi, comes after the left-handed batter was named as the Player of the Series in Zimbabwe, where he scored a total of 151 runs in three outings including a match-winning 81 in the third and final game.
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“I think the zonal selectors could have avoided making Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the East Zone vice-captain," tweeted Panchal.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead East Zone in Ishan Kishan's absence?
An East Zone selector defended the decision, saying that Sooryavanshi's appointment was part of the team's long-term goals. The selector believes the leadership could also help the star left-handed opener to have a better understanding of the game .
“We aren’t thinking about the present alone. A vice-captain gets to observe the captain closely and understand how a team is run. We wanted Vaibhav to be more involved with the group because we think it will help him as he develops," said Manish Vardhan.
However, being named vice-captain does not put Soorvanshi next in line to lead the East Zone in the absence of Ishan Kishan. Vardhan claimed that the selectors have not yet considered that option, signalling that an experienced player could be given the captaincy in such a situation while the youngster stays in the deputy role.