Key points
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, has been named Bihar captain for the first two matches of the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
- Bihar will face Saurashtra on November 14 and Railways on November 16, with both matches scheduled in Indore.
- Suraj Kashyap has been appointed vice-captain of the 17-member squad announced by the Bihar Cricket Association.
- The squad was selected after trials held from November 4 to 6 and a selection committee meeting on November 6.
- Sooryavanshi is set to join India A for the Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup after Bihar's opening two matches.
- Mangal Mahour and Shakib Hussain's availability is subject to fitness assessment after the first two matches.
- Bihar are placed in Group B alongside Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Railways, Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named captain of Bihar for the opening two matches of the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 15-year-old will lead the state side against Saurashtra on November 14 and Railways on November 16, with both fixtures scheduled to be played in Indore. Suraj Kashyap has been appointed vice-captain of the 17-member squad announced by the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA).
The appointment gives Sooryavanshi his first opportunity to lead Bihar's senior team in an official match. The left-handed batter has quickly become one of the most closely followed young players in Indian cricket, and the new responsibility adds a leadership milestone to his developing career.
First senior captaincy assignment for Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi's captaincy is limited to Bihar's first two matches of the tournament. The team opens its campaign against Saurashtra on November 14 before taking on Railways two days later, on November 16. Both games will be held in Indore.
Bihar assistant coach Ashok Kumar told the Hindustan Times that the youngster was ready for the responsibility. He said the opportunity had come after regular captain Sakibul Gani was injured and that the team viewed the assignment as a chance to prepare Sooryavanshi for future leadership roles.
BCA president Harsh Vardhan also welcomed the decision, pointing to the player's talent, confidence and maturity. The association hopes that the responsibility will help him develop as a cricketer and leader while setting an example for younger players in the state.
Suraj Kashyap named vice-captain; full squad announced
The BCA selected a 17-member squad for the opening two matches after trials conducted between November 4 and 6. The senior selection committee met on November 6 to finalise the group after reviewing players' performances in the trials and their previous records.
The squad comprises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (captain), Alok Kumar, Ayush Loharuka (wicketkeeper), Altamash Ashraf, Param Kumar Singh, Anmol Kumar (wicketkeeper), Ritwik Raj, Suraj Kashyap (vice-captain), Mayank Kumar, Raghvendra Pratap, Ashish Kumar, Vasudev Pratap Singh, Mohammad Izhar, Amod Yadav, Prashant Singh, Nawaz Khan and Himanshu Singh.
The BCA has also indicated that Mangal Mahour and Shakib Hussain will be considered subject to fitness. Their availability is to be assessed after Bihar's first two matches, after which the team will take a final call. A list of standby players has also been named by the association.
Leadership experience before the Bihar appointment
Although this is Sooryavanshi's first senior captaincy assignment for Bihar, it is not his first leadership role in domestic cricket. He was previously appointed vice-captain of East Zone for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy. He also had an opportunity to lead briefly when regular skipper Ishan Kishan was unavailable during the final.
The Bihar captaincy therefore adds to a year in which Sooryavanshi has moved quickly through different levels of the game. His aggressive batting has drawn attention in domestic and franchise cricket, while his recent appearances for India have further raised expectations around his development.
He was recently part of India's T20I series against New Zealand. In the third match, he scored 45 from 19 deliveries and shared a rapid opening stand with Abhishek Sharma. The partnership helped India make a record-breaking start in the powerplay, with the pair scoring 118 without losing a wicket in the first six overs.
Bihar face an important start in Group B
Bihar have been placed in Group B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy alongside Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Railways, Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu. The opening two fixtures will provide an early test against Saurashtra and Railways as the side begins its campaign.
Sooryavanshi's time with Bihar is expected to be brief. He is set to join the India A squad for the Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup after the first two SMAT matches. India A are scheduled to begin their campaign against Nepal on November 20.
The arrangement gives Bihar a short window with their young captain before he moves to the next assignment. For Sooryavanshi, the immediate challenge will be to translate his batting confidence into leadership, guide the team through its opening fixtures and make a positive start to the domestic T20 season.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Who will captain Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named Bihar captain for the opening two matches of the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 15-year-old will lead the side against Saurashtra on November 14 and Railways on November 16, with both matches scheduled in Indore.
Who is Bihar's vice-captain for the opening SMAT matches?
Suraj Kashyap has been appointed vice-captain of Bihar's 17-member squad for the opening two matches. The squad was announced by the Bihar Cricket Association after selection trials held from November 4 to 6 and a committee meeting on November 6.
When will Bihar play Saurashtra and Railways in SMAT 2026-27?
Bihar will begin their campaign against Saurashtra on November 14, 2026, and then face Railways on November 16. Both fixtures are scheduled to take place in Indore as part of the opening phase of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Is this Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's first captaincy role?
This is Sooryavanshi's first captaincy assignment with Bihar's senior team. Earlier in the year, he was appointed vice-captain of East Zone for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy and briefly led the side when Ishan Kishan was unavailable during the final.
Why will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lead Bihar for only two matches?
Sooryavanshi is named to lead Bihar in the opening two Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches. After those fixtures, he is expected to join India A for the Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup, whose campaign is scheduled to begin against Nepal on November 20.
Who are the players whose availability depends on fitness?
The Bihar Cricket Association has stated that Mangal Mahour and Shakib Hussain's availability is subject to fitness. Their fitness will be assessed after the first two matches, and the association will then take a final decision about their availability for the team.