Batting failure? No problem: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hits back with two wickets in four balls in Duleep Trophy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old vice-captain of the East Zone team in the Duleep Trophy, turned a poor batting performance into a standout bowling display during the quarter-final against the North East Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru. After scoring just eight runs in six balls and being dismissed by North East Zone pacer Bishworjit Konthoujam in the first innings, Sooryavanshi quickly rebounded with the ball, claiming two wickets in four deliveries. His aggressive approach in the second innings showcased his resilience and potential, earning praise from cricket analysts and former players. Sooryavanshi’s first wicket came in the 28th over when he bowled a three-quarter-length delivery outside off stump. North East Zone batter Kishan Lyngdoh attempted to attack the ball but lost his balance, resulting in a leading edge that was cleanly caught by substitute fielder Denish Das at cover. Three balls later, Sooryavanshi struck again with a well-directed delivery around off stump. Imliwati Lemtur, the North East Zone batter, defended the ball but edged it to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, who took a sharp catch to dismiss him. These dismissals highlighted Sooryavanshi’s ability to adapt quickly and maintain composure under pressure. Former India head coach Rahul Dravid, speaking on JioStar, emphasized the need for patience with Sooryavanshi’s development. Dravid acknowledged the young batter’s talent but noted the challenges of balancing his international commitments with domestic cricket. “With Vaibhav, you’ve got to be patient.#vaibhav_sooryavanshi #duleep_trophy #bishworjit_konthoujam #kishan_lyngdoh #denish_das
Duleep Trophy Fans Face Barriers at BCCI Centre of Excellence For years, fans of India’s domestic cricket have been met with frustration when attempting to watch matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. During Duleep Trophy matchdays, a small group of supporters would gather near the facility’s gates, hoping to catch a glimpse of the country’s top domestic players in action. However, their efforts were often thwarted by strict security measures that barred spectators from entering the venue. The issue was not uncommon. Fans would linger near the gates, hoping to gain entry, but were repeatedly told that access was restricted. On one occasion, a person claiming to be a player’s relative had to make multiple phone calls and wait for hours before being granted permission to attend a match. This situation highlighted a growing disconnect between the tournament’s stature and the limited opportunities for fans to engage with the sport. The Duleep Trophy, a premier domestic competition, has long been a stepping stone for players aiming to reach the national team. For generations, it has served as a platform for emerging talent, offering a chance to showcase skills in a high-stakes environment. Yet, the lack of spectator access has left fans feeling excluded from the journey of these athletes. This issue was not limited to the CoE. Similar restrictions were observed during matches at other venues. For example, when Karnataka hosted Kerala in a Ranji Trophy game at the Alur grounds, fans eager to see Sanju Samson, a key player for Kerala, were denied entry. Such instances underscored a broader pattern of limited fan engagement in domestic cricket. The BCCI’s decision to move this season’s Duleep Trophy final from the CoE to Chennai’s M.A.#karnataka #kerala #bcci_centre_of_excellence #duleep_trophy #bcci_secretary_devajit_saikia
