Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged 15, was named Bihar captain for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27, becoming the youngest player to captain a senior state side. On leading the side out on 14 November, he will become the youngest captain of a T20 team in world cricket at 15 years and 232 days.
Suraj Kashyap was named vice-captain of the 17-member Bihar squad. Bihar open their campaign against Saurashtra on 14 November in Indore.
The appointment is a remarkable step for a player who is still only 15. Captaining a senior state side at that age is almost unheard of in Indian domestic cricket, and it reflects how highly Bihar rate his cricketing maturity.
How long will he lead the side
Reports differ on how many games Sooryavanshi will captain. One report says he will lead for the first two games, while another says he will lead only one game before flying to Doha on 16 November for the Rising Stars Asia Cup, which runs from 19 to 29 November.
The Rising Stars Asia Cup is a major commitment, and the Doha trip explains why his time as Bihar captain may be brief. What is not in doubt is that he will lead the side out on 14 November and set the record.
A record that will stand out
Becoming the youngest T20 captain in world cricket at 15 years and 232 days is a record that will be hard to beat. It puts Sooryavanshi in the record books before he has even turned 16.
The appointment also shows how domestic teams are willing to back young talent with leadership responsibility. Bihar's decision is a vote of confidence in a player who has already made a name for himself.
The season ahead
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starts on 14 November, and Bihar's opening game against Saurashtra in Indore will be watched closely. Sooryavanshi's captaincy debut is the story of the opening round.
After the Doha trip, his focus will shift to the Rising Stars Asia Cup, where he will represent India against the best young players in Asia.
