JAMMU: Vanshaj Sharma, a 20-year-old left-arm spinner from the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has made an impressive start to his first class career.

He recently became the youngest and sole player from J&K to take 10 wickets in his debut Ranji trophy match. His excellent performance, including 5 wickets in each innings, played a vital role in J&K's thrilling victory over Pondicherry.

Brigadier Anil Gupta, Member-Administration JKCA, stated that Vanshaj, who was born on 11-08-2003, was discovered through the JKCA Talent Hunt-2022. Although he was initially chosen for the U-19 category, he was unable to participate due to an unfortunate injury.

However, recognizing his high potential, the Senior Men Selection Committee decided to select him to represent JKCA in the U-25 category. Consequently, Vanshaj made his debut for the season 2022-23.

He added that Vanshaj impressed the selectors as well as coaches with his fine performance during the season with a haul of 22 wickets including a 5-wicket haul against Odisha, adding he was again picked up for U-23 team for the season 2023-24 and represented JKCA in all the three formats i.e. U-23 Men's State A Tournament, Vijay Hazare OD Tournament and Col CK Nayudu Tournament claiming 46 wickets.

In a very short span, Vanshaj Sharma has played with tremendous potential and has come a long way and many seasons to represent J&K at the highest level.

Dhruv Mahajan, Member Senior Men Selection Committee JKCA said, "Vanshaj Sharma apart from being a sensational left arm spinner is an excellent fielder."