Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has once again etched his name into the record books. The teenage batting sensation has become the youngest player in Duleep Trophy history to score a half-century after producing a rapid fifty for East Zone against Central Zone in the 2026 semifinal in Bengaluru.
Sooryavanshi reached the milestone in just 42 deliveries, completing his half-century in style with a six. At 15 years and 175 days, the left-handed opener surpassed the previous record held by Laxman Singh, who was 16 years and 23 days old when he scored a Duleep Trophy fifty in 1969.
Youngest Batters To Score A Duleep Trophy Fifty:
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 15 years, 175 days
- Laxman Singh (1969) – 16 years, 23 days
- Piyush Chawla (2025) – 16 years, 307 days
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Sooryavanshi has already shown his versatility in the ongoing tournament. During Day 1 of the semifinal, he briefly took charge as East Zone captain after regular skipper Ishan Kishan was forced to leave the field after being hit on his right wrist. The teenager led the side for nearly an hour and also successfully used a DRS review during his short stint as captain.
100-run stand 🙌
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran with a solid opening stand so far 🤝
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kyExeix2VY pic.twitter.com/7eVSb3iuPU
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) August 31, 2026
END OF AN ICONIC INNINGS BY 15-YEAR-OLD VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI 😍
– Big stage, Big match, Sooryavanshi. pic.twitter.com/OJe4vaFOR4
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 31, 2026
His all-round abilities were also on display in East Zone’s quarterfinal against North East Zone. Although Sooryavanshi was dismissed cheaply with the bat, he made a significant contribution with his left-arm spin. He bowled three overs and claimed two wickets while conceding only 11 runs, helping East Zone secure an innings victory.
Reflecting on his bowling, Sooryavanshi said batters and bowlers often enjoy trying the other discipline. He added that he was asked to bowl a few overs when wickets were hard to come by.
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Despite being told he might only get three overs, Sooryavanshi attacked the challenge and dismissed Kishan Lyngdoh and Imliwati Lemtur in the same over. His confident approach once again highlighted why the youngster is being closely watched as one of India’s most exciting emerging talents.
