Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, becomes youngest captain in men’s T20 history as he leads Bihar in SMAT opener
He was 15 years and 232 days old, ahead of Croatia's Zach Vukusic, who captained at 17 years and 311 days.
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest captain in men’s T20 cricket on Saturday 14 November, leading Bihar against Saurashtra at the Holkar Stadium in Indore in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) named the 15-year-old to lead the side for its first two matches of the tournament, The News Mill reported. Bihar won the toss and chose to bat, according to an ANI report in The Tribune.
Youngest captain in T20 history: age and the record
Sooryavanshi was aged 15 years and 232 days when he led the side out, Cricket Addictor reported. Croatia’s Zach Vukusic is now second on the list. He captained his country against Cyprus at 17 years and 311 days on 7 August 2025. Vukusic and Laksh Barkania earned their places on the list through international cricket, while Noman Amjad led France against the Czech Republic in July 2022, The News Mill said.
Bihar vs Saurashtra at the Holkar Stadium
Saurashtra are led by Jaydev Unadkat in the Elite Group B fixture. Bihar’s XI lists Suraj Kashyap, Ayush Loharuka and Altamish Ashraf alongside the captain, according to Cricket Addictor. The BCA announced a 17-member squad on Friday 13 November, with Kashyap as vice-captain. Bihar then take on Railways at the same venue on 16 November, Cricket Times reported.
Key numbers
- 15 years and 232 days: his age on Saturday, per Cricket Addictor.
- 17 years and 311 days: Vukusic’s age when he captained Croatia, per The News Mill.
- 17: players in the squad for the first two matches, per The News Mill.
- 776: runs he scored for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 at a strike rate of 237.30, per The News Mill.
- 72: sixes in that campaign, described as a record, per The News Mill.
Background: Mahipal Lomror and the old record
In the domestic tournament, the previous record for the youngest captain belonged to Mahipal Lomror, who was 18 years and 67 days old when he led Rajasthan in 2018, Kashmir Sports Watch reported. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi arrived at this job after a season in which he won the Orange Cap as the leading run-scorer, along with the Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player awards, The News Mill said.
What the Bihar Cricket Association said
BCA president Harsh Vardhan said: “Vaibhav has already demonstrated tremendous talent, confidence and maturity at a young age, and this responsibility will provide him with another opportunity to grow as a cricketer and leader.” The News Mill carried the statement.
What happens next for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
The announcement covers only the first two fixtures, so the Railways game on Monday 16 November is the last one confirmed under his captaincy. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has until then to turn the record into a result for a side looking to improve after a disappointing last season, Cricket Times said.
The record puts a 15-year-old in charge of a senior state side, a step that selectors and rivals will watch closely. Bihar's next match against Railways on 16 November is the only other fixture confirmed under his captaincy.
Named in this story
Sources
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes youngest captain in Men's T20 history (Cricket Addictor)
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes youngest men's T20 captain at 15 (The News Mill)
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi named Bihar captain for first two matches (Cricket Times)
- SMAT 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named Bihar captain (Kashmir Sports Watch)
- 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes youngest captain in men's T20 history (The Tribune, ANI)