14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Appointed Bihar Ranji Trophy Vice-Captain

Bihar’s Ranji Trophy squad has welcomed a remarkable addition to its leadership, with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi appointed as the vice-captain for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The young left-handed batter, who made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar against Mumbai in Patna on January 5, 2025, will serve under the captaincy of Sakibul Gani. His appointment highlights the faith the Bihar cricket board has in nurturing young talent and providing opportunities to prodigious players.

Suryavanshi, despite his young age, already has a solid foundation in first-class cricket. He has played five matches and accumulated 100 runs in 10 innings, with a personal best score of 41. His performances at the domestic level reflect both consistency and potential, positioning him as a key player for Bihar in the upcoming Ranji Trophy campaign.

Apart from his domestic achievements, Suryavanshi has also made a mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing the Rajasthan Royals, he played seven matches this year and scored an impressive 252 runs at a strike rate of 206.55. His ability to perform under pressure in the IPL has further reinforced his credentials as a young talent with significant promise. Additionally, he has represented India in youth Tests and youth ODIs in England and Australia earlier this year, gaining valuable international experience.

The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy Plate Group season will see Bihar starting their campaign against Arunachal Pradesh from October 15 to 18 at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna. Their second match is scheduled against Manipur from October 25 to 28 at Gokulbhai Somabhai Patel Stadium in Nadiad. Bihar will then face Meghalaya at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium from November 1 to 4, Sikkim at SICA Ground in Rangpo from November 8 to 11, and Mizoram at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium again from November 16 to 19.

Bihar’s 2025-26 Ranji Trophy Plate Group Schedule:

• October 15-18: Arunachal Pradesh – Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, Patna
  
  
• October 25-28: Manipur – Gokulbhai Somabhai Patel Stadium, Nadiad
  
  
• November 1-4: Meghalaya – Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, Patna
  
  
• November 8-11: Sikkim – SICA Ground, Rangpo

November 16-19: Mizoram – Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, Patna

Suryavanshi’s journey has been extraordinary. He made his Ranji Trophy debut at just 12 years of age during the 2023-24 season, becoming the youngest player to feature in India’s domestic first-class cricket. Following this, he achieved another milestone by signing an IPL contract at 13, making him the youngest player to secure a professional league deal. These accomplishments underscore his talent and determination to succeed at higher levels of the sport.

It is important to note that Suryavanshi may not feature in the full Ranji Trophy season. He is expected to be in contention for India’s Under-19 World Cup squad, scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year. This potential international assignment could provide him with further exposure and development opportunities on a global stage.

The Bihar squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy also includes notable players such as Piyush Kumar Singh, Bhashkar Dubey, Arnav Kishor, Ayush Loharuka, Bipin Saurabh, Amod Yadav, Nawaz Khan, Sakib Hussain, Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Sachin Kumar Singh, Himanshu Singh, Khalid Alam, and Sachin Kumar. With Suryavanshi as vice-captain, the team combines experienced campaigners with promising young talents, aiming to make a strong impact in the Plate Group.

In conclusion, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s appointment as vice-captain at the age of 14 is a testament to his skill, maturity, and potential. His achievements in domestic cricket, IPL, and youth international tournaments make him one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket. Bihar’s 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign will be closely watched, with Suryavanshi expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the team and showcasing his growing abilities on the field.