Sports
Ishan Kishan Thought It Was a ‘Risk’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Cheeky Reply After Two-Wicket Surprise…
Known for his fearless batting, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed another side of his game by taking two wickets in a single over during East Zone’s crushing Duleep Trophy victory.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have built his reputation as an explosive batter, but the teenage sensation wants everyone—including his captain Ishan Kishan—to know that he can be a genuine wicket-taking option as well.
The 15-year-old East Zone vice-captain produced a memorable spell of left-arm spin during the Duleep Trophy quarter-final against North East Zone, claiming two wickets in the space of four deliveries.
After the match, Sooryavanshi jokingly revealed that Kishan initially believed handing him the ball was a gamble. The youngster, however, backed his bowling skills with the same confidence that has already made him one of Indian cricket’s most exciting young batters.
“Ishan bhaiya thought that he was taking a risk,” Sooryavanshi said before cheekily adding that his captain did not know he was a “wicket-taker”.
A surprise bowling move that worked instantly
The moment arrived during North East Zone’s second innings, when wickets had become difficult to find and the batting side was attempting to build some resistance.
ALSO READ : Adam Zampa Makes Another Surprise Move… Australia Star Leaves New South Wales for Queensland
Looking for a breakthrough, captain Kishan turned to Sooryavanshi and asked the occasional spinner to bowl a short spell of two or three overs.
It did not take long for the decision to pay off.
Sooryavanshi first removed Kishan Lyngdoh, who tried to attack the youngster but failed to make clean contact. His mistimed aerial shot was comfortably taken by substitute fielder Denish Das.
Three deliveries later, Sooryavanshi struck again.
This time, Imliwati Lemtur attempted to defend a delivery outside off stump but only managed to edge it behind. Wicketkeeper Kishan completed the catch, giving the teenager his second wicket of the over.
The double blow reduced North East Zone from 75 for five to 79 for seven, effectively ending any realistic hopes of a recovery.
Sooryavanshi completed his spell with impressive figures of two wickets for 11 runs from three overs. He also delivered 13 dot balls and did not concede a wide or no-ball, highlighting the control behind his success.
Simple plan behind Sooryavanshi’s success
Sooryavanshi explained that he knew his opportunity with the ball would be limited, irrespective of how many wickets he took. His plan, therefore, was to keep the approach simple and consistently target one area.
The teenager focused on maintaining a disciplined line and length instead of attempting too many variations. That clarity allowed him to make an immediate impact.
His performance was particularly satisfying because he had endured a disappointing outing with the bat. Opening East Zone’s innings, Sooryavanshi scored only eight runs from six deliveries.
He was not required to bat again as East Zone completed a dominant innings victory.
For a player primarily celebrated for his power-hitting, contributing with the ball offered a different kind of enjoyment.
Sooryavanshi said batters often enjoy the rare opportunity to bowl, just as specialist bowlers relish their time at the crease. For him, taking wickets after missing out with the bat made the occasion even more memorable.
East Zone dominate the quarter-final
Despite losing early wickets, East Zone recovered brilliantly to post 467 runs in their first innings.
Sudip Kumar Gharami scored a superb 146, while Shahbaz Ahmed produced a match-defining innings of 167. Their partnership transformed East Zone’s position after the team had slipped to 138 for five.
North East Zone were then dismissed for only 111 runs in their first innings. Abhijit Sarkar led the attack with five wickets, while Shahbaz claimed three.
After being asked to follow on, North East Zone were bowled out for 146, handing East Zone a commanding victory by an innings and 210 runs.
Shahbaz was named Player of the Match for his remarkable all-round contribution, while Sooryavanshi’s unexpected two-wicket burst became one of the contest’s most entertaining talking points.
The teenager’s career-best bowling figures also took his total to four wickets in First-Class cricket, according to The Sporting News.
Semi-final challenge awaits
The convincing victory secured East Zone’s place in the Duleep Trophy semi-final, where they are scheduled to face defending champions Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The match presents Sooryavanshi with another opportunity to strengthen his red-ball credentials. His attacking batting will naturally remain the biggest attraction, but his performance against North East Zone showed that he can influence a match in more than one way.
Captain Kishan may have considered the bowling change a risk, but Sooryavanshi’s response carried the confidence of a youngster who clearly believes in every part of his game.
Two wickets in four deliveries later, the gamble looked more like a hidden weapon.
