On the first day of the Duleep Trophy (2026-27) final (6 September), Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium was completely painted in the colors of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. About 12 thousand spectators reached Chepauk to see this 15-year-old young batsman and kept shouting slogans in his name throughout the day. Vaibhav also entertained the fans a lot by playing a quick inning of 44 runs in 37 balls. However, as soon as he was out, many spectators left the stadium. But what Vaibhav did after the end of the day’s play won the hearts of the fans present there.
Crowds of spectators started gathering in Chepauk since morning for the ongoing match between East Zone and South Zone. BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) had shifted the final from the Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to Chennai so that more and more fans could come to the field and watch the match. The effect of this decision became visible even before the match started. The lower stands of C, D and E blocks were filled by 9:30 am. In view of the increasing crowd of spectators, TNCA (Tamil Nadu Cricket Association) had to open three more stands.
The fans present in the stadium were continuously encouraging Vaibhav Suryavanshi by taking his name. Many spectators were also seen in the yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Vaibhav initially batted cautiously against the fast bowlers, but after that he gained momentum. Vaibhav showed his aggressive style openly against Mohammad Siraj. Vaibhav scored 14 runs in one over of Siraj. Vaibhav and Abhinmanyu Ishwar together completed the opening partnership of 100 runs.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi trapped on short ball
South Zone captain Tilak Verma changed the strategy against Vaibhav Suryavanshi and instigated him to play big shots towards deep midwicket and long leg. Vaibhav avoided falling into this trap for some time, but he lost his wicket on a short ball from Chama Milind. Vaibhav tried to play a pull shot on that ball, but the ball hit the upper part of the bat and went towards deep midwicket. The substitute fielder Tanay Thiagarajan present there caught his catch. Vaibhav scored 44 runs in 37 balls, which included five fours and one six.
After Vaibhav Suryavanshi was out, some spectators present in the stadium started coming out. Among them were many fans who had come to Chepauk especially to see the 15-year-old batsman. But at the end of the day’s play, Vaibhav did not disappoint him. At around 5:03 pm, when the players started returning towards the pavilion, Vaibhav stayed on the field for some time and went towards the stand from where his name was being called the whole day. Fans passed caps, notebooks, papers and jerseys from the other side of the fence. Vaibhav also gave him autographs without hurrying.