Sooryavanshi’s Red-Ball Test Ends Quickly at Duleep Trophy

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-awaited first-class audition lasted just six balls, as the newly appointed East Zone vice-captain was dismissed for 8 runs in the Duleep Trophy 2026 quarter-final against North East Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The youngster, whose promotion to vice-captaincy had added extra scrutiny to his red-ball credentials, opened the innings alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran after East Zone won the toss and chose to bat first.

A Flurry of Boundaries Before the Fall

Sooryavanshi got off the mark in style, facing left-arm… no wait, right-arm medium pacer Bishworjit Konthoujam in the second over. Coming around the wicket, Konthoujam’s first delivery was angled into the left-handed batter, who worked it confidently through mid-wicket for four. The following ball, fuller and around off stump, was driven crisply through the covers for another boundary. With eight runs off just two balls, it appeared Sooryavanshi was set to carry his aggressive white-ball form into the longer format. However, the very next delivery brought a swift end to the promising start, leaving the dugout stunned at how quickly momentum shifted.

Coach Stresses Patience for Format Switch

Following the dismissal, East Zone’s coaching staff pointed to the mental recalibration required when transitioning from limited-overs cricket to red-ball cricket. The emphasis, they noted, must shift toward patience, disciplined shot selection, and building longer, more considered innings rather than looking to score quickly. Sooryavanshi, who has drawn attention for his explosive T20 batting, will now look to bounce back in the second innings of the quarter-final, using it as an opportunity to demonstrate his adaptability. A stronger showing could strengthen his case for further opportunities in first-class cricket against experienced bowling attacks.