Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a historic captaincy debut for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 on Saturday. He became the youngest captain in men's T20 cricket history when he led his state team against Saurashtra. At 15 years and 232 days, Sooryavanshi broke the record previously held by Croatia's Zach Vukusic, who had captained his national side at the age of 17 years and 311 days in a T20 International against Cyprus on August 7, 2025. The special day could not become even bigger for Sooryavanshi as he scored only 18 off 12 balls before being dismissed by Chetan Sakariya.
Bihar elected to bat after winning the toss in the Group B contest at the Holkar Stadium.
The appointment marks another milestone in the rapid rise of the youngster, who made his India debut just five months ago. He was also named vice-captain of East Zone for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, deputising for Ishan Kishan.
His most recent international appearance came during India's T20 tour of New Zealand, where he featured in two matches and scored 49 runs. His 19-ball 45, which came in a 133-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma in just 7.1 overs, was one of the highlights of the series that India won 3-2.
Sooryavanshi is expected to feature in one more Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match before joining India A for the ACC Rising Stars Emerging tournament in Doha from November 19.
In the match on Saturday, Saurashtra registered a comfortable five-wicket victory over Bihar, chasing down a target of 138 in just 16.3 overs.
Harvansh Pangalia provided the momentum with a blistering 11-ball 33, smashing three fours and as many sixes, while Ruchit Ahir (21 not out) and Siddhant Rana (21 not out) ensured there were no late hiccups.
Prerak Mankad also contributed 16 as Saurashtra finished at 138 for five.
Bihar managed 137 for nine after being put in to bat. Prithvi Raj top-scored for them with 38 off 27 balls, including four sixes.
Altamish Ashraf made 24 off 20 balls, while skipper Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed 18 off 12 deliveries.
Suraj Kashyap picked up three wickets for Bihar, but his effort was not enough to prevent Saurashtra from securing the win.
