The domestic cricket is buzzing with excitement as East Zone gears up for the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, with veteran pacer Mohammed Shami making a heartfelt return to first-class cricket after a nine-month hiatus. The 34-year-old, whose fiery spells have long been a hallmark of Indian cricket, is back to lead the charge for East Zone, joined by fellow Bengal pacers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep. But the squad announcement, revealed on Thursday, also stirred surprise, as 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, fresh off a record-shattering Youth ODI century, was left out of the main 15-member team, named only among the standbys. With Ishan Kishan at the helm as captain and Abhimanyu Easwaran as his deputy, East Zone’s mix of experience and youth promises a thrilling campaign, set to kick off against North Zone in Bengaluru on August 28.
Shami’s Return: A Beacon of Experience
Mohammed Shami’s inclusion feels like a homecoming for fans of red-ball cricket. The seasoned pacer, who last donned whites for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy in November 2024, is no stranger to turning games with his pace and precision. His most recent Test was the World Test Championship final in June 2023, and his six wickets in nine IPL 2025 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad showed he’s still got the fire. Shami’s return bolsters an already potent pace attack alongside Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, both of whom have been knocking on India’s Test door. His presence is a shot of confidence for East Zone, signaling his intent to reclaim his spot in the longer format.
Kishan Takes the Reins
Leading the squad is Ishan Kishan, whose recent exploits in England’s County Championship for Nottinghamshire—smashing two half-centuries in as many innings—have put him in the spotlight. The Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter’s appointment as captain is a nod to his leadership potential and current form. By his side is Bengal’s reliable opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, named vice-captain. Easwaran, a mainstay in India’s Test setup during the England tour, brings stability and grit to the top order. Together, they form a dynamic leadership duo, ready to steer East Zone through a competitive tournament.
The Suryavanshi Snub: A Surprise Omission
The biggest talking point, however, is the absence of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from the main squad. The young batting sensation, who set the cricketing world alight with the fastest century in Youth ODI history during India Under-19’s England tour last month, was expected to make the cut. His 355 runs in five ODIs showcased his fearless talent, yet the selectors opted for experience, placing him among the six standbys. It’s a tough call that’s raised eyebrows, but it also reflects a cautious approach to nurturing the teenager’s immense potential without rushing him into the senior spotlight.
A Balanced Squad with Domestic Stars
East Zone’s 15-member squad, handpicked by a six-member zonal panel led by Jharkhand’s Saurabh Tiwary, blends proven performers with rising stars. Jharkhand’s Virat Singh and Sharandeep Singh, the top two run-scorers in last season’s Ranji Trophy, bring batting firepower, while Assam’s left-arm spinner Manishi, with 22 wickets in seven Ranji matches, adds variety to the attack. All-rounder Riyan Parag and wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra further strengthen the lineup, promising versatility. However, the omission of Bengal’s leading Ranji run-scorer Sudip Chatterjee and the relegation of Sudip Kumar Gharami to the standbys have sparked debate about the selectors’ focus on current form and flexibility.
Looking Ahead to Bengaluru
As East Zone prepares to face North Zone in the tournament opener on August 28 at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence, the return of the Duleep Trophy to its traditional zonal format feels like a nod to regional pride and rivalries. South Zone, the defending champions from the 2023-24 season, set a high bar, but East Zone’s mix of Shami’s experience, Kishan’s flair, and Easwaran’s solidity makes them a formidable contender. For Shami, it’s a chance to prove he’s still a red-ball force. For Kishan and Easwaran, it’s an opportunity to lead by example. And for young Suryavanshi, waiting in the wings, it’s a reminder that his time will come. East Zone’s journey is one to watch, filled with stories of comebacks, dreams, and the hope of glory.
East Zone Squad for 2025-26 Duleep Trophy:
Ishan Kishan (capt), Abhimanyu Easwaran (vc), Sandeep Patnaik, Virat Singh, Denish Das, Sridam Paul, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Riyan Parag, Utkarsh Singh, Manishi, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami
Standbys:
Mukhtar Hussain, Aasirwad Swain, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Swastik Samal, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Rahul Singh
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