In a bold and inspiring decision, the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has named Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the vice-captain of Bihar’s team for the first two rounds of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. This appointment has drawn widespread attention — not only because of the significance of the role, but because Suryavanshi is just 14 years old. This move makes him one of the youngest cricketers ever to hold such a leadership position in first-class Indian domestic cricket.
Suryavanshi will serve under Sakibul Gani, who has been named the captain of Bihar’s Ranji squad. The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 kicks off on October 15, and Bihar will begin their campaign against Arunachal Pradesh in Patna before traveling to face Manipur.
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A Young Star Steps into Leadership
Naming Vaibhav Suryavanshi as vice-captain is more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects the confidence the selectors have in his talent, maturity, and potential to lead. At 14, Suryavanshi becomes one of the youngest players to hold a first-class leadership role in India.
The BCA’s choice also signals a shift in strategy — leaning not just on seniority, but on raw ability and promise. The squad for the first two matches has been announced, and leadership roles have been assigned just days before the tournament begins.
Because the appointment covers only the first two rounds, it may be subject to review or change later. But even for this limited period, the message is loud and clear: Bihar is betting on youth.
Journey of Vaibhav Suryavanshi: From Child Prodigy to Vice-Captain
To understand why Vaibhav Suryavanshi has earned this role, one must look at his extraordinary trajectory in a very short time.
Early Debut in First-Class Cricket
Suryavanshi made his Ranji Trophy debut in January 2024, at an astonishing age of 12 years and 284 days. That debut was against Mumbai, and it made him one of the youngest players ever to appear in India’s premier domestic competition.
Despite his youth, Suryavanshi has already logged multiple first-class appearances. Though his aggregate runs in those matches are modest, his sheer presence and potential have made him a standout name.
Rising Star in Youth and IPL Cricket
Where Suryavanshi truly made headlines is in youth international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- He represented India Under-19, playing in series in Australia and England.
- In Australia, he scored a blistering 78-ball century in a four-day match in Brisbane, helping India clinch the series.
- In England, he smashed a historic century of 143 runs at Worcester, which became the fastest century in youth one-day internationals.
- In the IPL 2025 season, Vaibhav Suryavanshi playing for Rajasthan Royals, he etched his name into the record books:
‒ He became the youngest player to earn an IPL contract (at age 13).
‒ He made his IPL debut at 14, and in that campaign scored a century in just 35 balls (which is the second-fastest in IPL history).
‒ He thus became the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket.
These performances have made Vaibhav Suryavanshi a name to watch — not just for the flashes of brilliance, but for consistent promise.
Bihar’s Situation and the Stakes Ahead
Bihar enters the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy under pressure. In the previous season, they failed to win a single match, collected just one point, and as a result, were relegated to the Plate League. Now, with leadership changes and youthful energy, they aim to make a comeback.
By naming Vaibhav Suryavanshi as vice-captain, Bihar is signaling that they want to inject vigor, fearlessness, and fresh thinking. If Suryavanshi can deliver with the bat and in leadership, it could be a turning point.
However, it’s also likely that Suryavanshi will not be available for the full Ranji season. He is a strong contender to be included in the India Under-19 World Cup squad, which may overlap or conflict with domestic commitments.
Squad, Upcoming Matches, and Expectations
For the first two rounds of the Ranji Trophy, Bihar’s 15-member squad has been finalized. Here’s a look:
Bihar Ranji Squad (First 2 Matches):
Piyush Kumar Singh
Bhashkar Dubey
Sakibul Gani (captain)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (vice-captain)
Arnav Kishor
Ayush Loharuka
Bipin Saurabh
Amod Yadav
Nawaz Khan
Sakib Hussain
Raghvendra Pratap Singh
Sachin Kumar Singh
Himanshu Singh
Khalid Alam
Sachin Kumar
The first match is scheduled on October 15 in Patna against Arunachal Pradesh. The second game will pit Bihar against Manipur, at a venue in Nadiad.
Bihar is grouped in the Plate League, along with teams like Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Mizoram. Their aim will be to win matches decisively and earn promotion back to the Elite league.
Given Suryavanshi’s role as vice-captain, much will depend on how he leads from the front — in run scoring, setting examples, and handling pressure moments. For a 14-year-old, that is a big ask. But his prior exploits suggest that he may thrive rather than balk.
Challenges and Risks
Although Vaibhav Suryavanshi has immense talent, his youth also brings challenges:
- Experience gap: He has played only a few first-class matches, with modest run totals so far.
- Fitness & consistency: The rigors of a full domestic season demand physical and mental stamina, which a teenager must manage carefully.
- Balancing commitments: If Suryavanshi is selected for the India Under-19 side, scheduling conflicts may arise.
- Managing expectations: Media, fans, and opponents will watch closely. Mistakes will be magnified.
The BCA and senior players will need to shield him, guide him, and let him grow into the role. But if they get it right, Bihar might have discovered a generational leader in the making.
What This Move Means for Indian Domestic Cricket
The appointment of Vaibhav Suryavanshi as vice-captain sends several signals to Indian cricket at large:
- Youth doesn’t imply weakness: Selectors are willing to trust ability over age.
- Changing leadership models: In domestic cricket, captains and vice-captains have usually been seasoned players. Here, we see a break from tradition.
- Incentive for young players: It shows aspiring cricketers that talent can get early recognition, and leadership roles are not just for veterans.
- Focus on future: With international schedules, IPL, and youth tournaments, teams must nurture young stars early.
If Suryavanshi succeeds, it could open doors for more underaged leaders across states in India.
The Road Ahead
For Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the next few months will be critical. As vice-captain, he will need to:
- Score runs consistently in the red-ball format
- Build rapport with senior players and mentor juniors
- Learn tactical and fielding responsibilities, such as setting fields, rotating bowlers, and guiding the team
- Carry himself with composure under media glare
For the Bihar team, this leadership experiment is a gamble — but one with high upside if it pays off. With a core of promising talent and renewed energy, they could surprise many.
In summary, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s elevation to Bihar vice-captain is a bold move that blends risk with vision. It reflects trust in youth, courage to break norms, and hope for a brighter future in Indian domestic cricket.
