Vaibhav Sooryavanshi accused of influencing Bihar T20 team selection ahead of SMAT 2026

Fifteen-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been accused of improperly influencing Bihar's squad selection ahead of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026, according to a report by CricBlogger. The Bihar Cricket Association named Sooryavanshi captain for the opening two matches of the tournament. The report alleges that the teenager sat alongside selectors during open-net trials, appeared to chair the meeting, and pushed for the selection of his friends.

The alleged interference reportedly led to deserving candidates being overlooked after 118 players took part in the trials, while an additional player was added to the final 17-member squad. The upcoming tournament represents Sooryavanshi's first official senior captaincy, following a rapid rise that included winning the IPL 2026 Orange Cap with Rajasthan Royals and debuting for the Indian national T20I team.