15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shared the dressing room with 36-year-old pacer Mohammad Shami for East Zone in the recent Duleep Trophy 2026. The experienced pacer talked about his equation with the youngster after East Zone defeated South Zone in the final to lift the trophy for the first time after 13 years.
Sooryavanshi made 44 and 8 runs in the final but was impressed with his leadership qualities and game-reading abilities as the vice-captain of the team. He was also seen helping captain Ishan Kishan with DRS calls and led the team when Kishan was off the field.
Shami disclosed that he and Sooryavanshi have a playful relationship after East Zone's triumph, with the teenager frequently making jokes with him. The seasoned fast bowler also discussed the kind of guidance he has given the 15-year-old.
"He (Sooryavanshi) loves pulling my leg! I usually tease him back by saying he isn't even as old as my cricket career. But he constantly banters with me, and that's great to see. Being able to open up, mingle freely, and build camaraderie will serve him well going forward. I always encourage players to speak openly with everyone," Shami was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
In honour of the pacer reaching 100 first-class games, Sooryavanshi gave Shami a special signed jersey ahead of the game on behalf of the East Zone team.
Shami disclosed that it is not necessary to "over-coach" Sooryavanshi but rather to intervene with tactical guidance in challenging circumstances.
"Most of these youngsters are already quite mature. With the level of cricket they play today, in the IPL and other high-pressure tournaments, maturity comes early, so you don't need to over-coach them. But yes, when the game gets tight and challenging, that's when you step in with tactical inputs and remind them to keep fighting," Shami said.
Shami picked two wickets for East Zone in the only innings he bowled in as he looks to make a comeback to the Indian team. Shami last played for India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. Since then, Shami has not been picked for the Indian team by BCCI selectors, who have given chances to new and younger players.
