Selector defends teen Sooryavanshi as East Zone vice-captain

The selection panel appointed 16-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone's vice-captain for the Duleep Trophy, defending the decision as part of his long-term development. Selector Pravanjan Mullick said the teenager is not captaining the side — Ishan Kishan holds that role — but that early responsibility could prepare him for future leadership, possibly even India's captaincy. A strong red-ball season could put him in contention for the national Test team.