Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes youngest captain in men's T20 cricket history
The 15-year-old Bihar player forgot his team's playing XI during the toss at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy opener.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest captain in men's T20 cricket at the age of 15 years and 232 days. According to the Times of India, the Bihar batter achieved this milestone during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026-27 match against Saurashtra at Holkar Stadium.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sooryavanshi admitted he had forgotten Bihar's playing XI. The teenage player responded to a question about his team's combination by saying, "I think, sir, bhool gaya lagta main (I think, sir, I have forgotten)."
Sooryavanshi broke the previous record held by Croatia's Zach Vukusic, who captained his national side at 17 years and 311 days in August 2025. The Bihar player described leading his home state as a "dream come true" and said he would try to fulfil his responsibilities to the best of his ability.
In the match, Sooryavanshi scored 18 runs from 12 balls before being caught and bowled by Chetan Sakariya. Bihar posted 137/9 in their 20 overs, but Saurashtra reached the target in 16.3 overs to win by five wickets, led by Harvansh Pangalia's 33 off 11 balls.
The Bihar captain, who made his India debut five months ago, is expected to play one more SMAT match. He will then join India A for the ACC Rising Stars Emerging tournament in Doha starting on November 19.