# Selectors Must Not Rush Leadership Roles for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Red Ball Cricket, Cautions Sachin Tendulkar

> Sachin Tendulkar has described handing the Duleep Trophy vice-captaincy to 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as premature. The cricket legend stressed that the teenager needs time and matches to develop step by step in red-ball cricket.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Cricket · **Published:** 2026-11-04 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/reda-bola-kriketa-men-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-ko-lidarashipa-dene-men-jaldabaji-na-karen-chayanakarta-sachin-tendulkar-ne-di-salaha-56098 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sachin Tendulkar, Emerging Asia Cup, Duleep Trophy, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Indian Cricket

Emerging Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to command significant attention across the cricketing landscape. Having recently toured New Zealand as part of the Indian T20 squad, the 15-year-old was handed playing opportunities in two matches and made an impression with the bat in one of those appearances. Cricket followers are now focusing on the upcoming Emerging Asia Cup, scheduled to get underway in Qatar on November 19, where Sooryavanshi is lined up to compete once again. Amid his rapid rise, legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar has shared his thoughts on the teenager's career progression and the leadership roles being placed on his shoulders.

## Tendulkar Views Duleep Trophy Leadership Role as Premature
Participating in an interactive question and answer session on Reddit on November 3, Tendulkar fielded queries from cricket enthusiasts. One participant asked for his perspective on assigning leadership duties to Sooryavanshi at the tender age of 15. Responding to the inquiry, Tendulkar remarked that appointing Sooryavanshi as the vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy was a bit rushed.

Tendulkar pointed out that long-form cricket requires steady acclimation and structured development rather than immediate administrative weight. He highlighted that the young cricketer should simply be given regular opportunities to play more red-ball matches and allowed to progress step by step. During the same interaction, when asked how one can improve mental focus, Tendulkar suggested closing one's eyes for a short while and concentrating solely on breathing, noting that this practice aids in managing distractions.

## Domestic Record and International Appearances
Sooryavanshi's statistical footprint at such an early stage of his career remains striking. At 15, he has already participated in 10 T20 internationals, sparking discussions throughout world cricket regarding his long-term potential. On the Indian domestic circuit, he has featured in 11 first-class fixtures. Notably, he was part of the East Zone squad that captured the Duleep Trophy 2026 title, where the team management and selectors designated him as the side's vice-captain. It is this particular elevation that prompted Tendulkar to urge measured patience from decision-makers.

## Emerging Asia Cup Platform Ahead of Senior Selection
The BCCI has finalized the India-A squad for the Emerging Asia Cup, which kicks off on November 19 under the captaincy of Tilak Varma. The traveling contingent features Sooryavanshi alongside dynamic batter Abhishek Sharma. In this tournament, Sooryavanshi is slated to open the batting alongside Abhishek. With a permanent spot in the senior Indian national playing eleven yet to be firmly established, the competition in Qatar offers the young opener a valuable chance to stake his claim through decisive performances.

## What this means for you
This perspective from an all-time batting icon sets an important benchmark for managing young talent within Indian cricket.

- **Impact on Emerging Players:** Tendulkar's caution advises selectors against burdening young cricketers with premature leadership roles. This allows 15-year-old talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to focus entirely on honing their skills without excessive administrative pressure.
- **Importance of Upcoming Matches:** All eyes will turn to the Emerging Asia Cup in Qatar starting November 19. Strong performances by the opening combination of Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma could directly impact their contention for senior team selection.
- **Role of Domestic Cricket:** The emphasis remains on giving developing players maximum match exposure in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy rather than immediate captaincy responsibilities. This approach supports organic career growth.
- **For Cricket Followers:** The guidance reminds fans and analysts to maintain realistic expectations regarding teenage prodigies. Players require adequate time and regular first-class fixtures to mature in the longest format of the game.

## Why this happened
The discussion was triggered after 15-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was appointed vice-captain of the title-winning East Zone squad in the 2026 Duleep Trophy, prompting questions to Sachin Tendulkar.

- **Leadership Appointment in Duleep Trophy:** Selectors assigned Sooryavanshi the vice-captaincy for East Zone during their victorious 2026 Duleep Trophy campaign after he had played 11 first-class matches. Appointing a 15-year-old to a leadership post in domestic red-ball cricket sparked widespread interest.
- **Reddit Fan Interaction:** During an interactive session on November 3, a supporter specifically asked Tendulkar for his assessment of the teenager's early elevation to a leadership role. Tendulkar responded candidly that the move was somewhat rushed.
- **Unsettled Senior Spot:** While Sooryavanshi has represented India in 10 T20s and toured New Zealand, he has yet to cement a permanent place in the senior playing eleven. Consequently, seasoned observers believe his primary focus must remain on batting development rather than captaincy duties.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What advice did Sachin Tendulkar give regarding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Sachin Tendulkar stated that appointing 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as the Duleep Trophy vice-captain was rushed, emphasizing that he should take things one step at a time in red-ball cricket.

### 2. How many matches has Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played in international and domestic cricket?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has featured in 10 T20 internationals and 11 first-class matches.

### 3. When and where is the Emerging Asia Cup taking place?
The Emerging Asia Cup is scheduled to begin on November 19 in Qatar.

### 4. Who is captaining the India-A team at the Emerging Asia Cup?
Tilak Varma has been named captain of the India-A squad for the Emerging Asia Cup.

### 5. What technique did Sachin Tendulkar recommend for improving concentration?
Tendulkar suggested closing one's eyes briefly and focusing purely on breathing to manage distractions.

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