NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-anticipated Duleep Trophy campaign got off to a disappointing start on Sunday as the teenage batting sensation was dismissed for just eight against North East Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru.Opening the innings for East Zone alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sooryavanshi began brightly, smashing back-to-back boundaries before his brief stay at the crease came to an abrupt end.The 15-year-old attempted to continue his aggressive approach but edged Bishworjit Konthoujam’s delivery to Joseph Lalthankhuma at gully. The North East pacer had the last laugh with the final delivery of his first over, leaving Sooryavanshi walking back after just six balls.WATCH:

Sooryavanshi’s red-ball challenge continues

North East Zone won the toss and opted to bowl first, giving Sooryavanshi an opportunity to make an impact in a format in which he is yet to establish himself.The teenager was named East Zone’s vice-captain, with Ishan Kishan leading the side, and entered the quarterfinal with considerable attention on him following his exploits in T20 cricket.However, his first-class numbers remain modest. Sooryavanshi has played eight first-class matches for Bihar and has batted in 12 innings, scoring at an average of just over 17 with a highest score of 93.The Duleep Trophy represented a significant opportunity for the youngster to gain valuable experience in red-ball cricket, particularly against a North East Zone side featuring an inexperienced attack.

Big names in East Zone squad

East Zone boast considerable experience elsewhere in their lineup, with skipper Kishan joined by India pacer Mohammed Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Kumar Kushagra, Shahbaz Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar.Sooryavanshi’s inclusion and appointment as vice-captain had nevertheless made him one of the biggest talking points surrounding the quarterfinal.East Zone will face either Central Zone or South Zone in the semifinal at the same venue from August 30 if they progress.