The East Zone selectors have announced a strong 15-member squad for the opening tournament of India’s 2026-27 domestic season, with Ishan Kishan named captain and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appointed vice-captain for the Duleep Trophy.
After making headlines with his impressive performances in the IPL and international Cricket, Sooryavanshi is now set to showcase his abilities in red-ball cricket. The Bihar youngster is expected to open the innings alongside experienced Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran, who will be looking to revive his domestic campaign.
Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar strengthen East Zone squad
The squad features experienced India pacers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, providing a major boost to East Zone’s bowling attack. Shami enters the tournament after an outstanding Ranji Trophy campaign in which he claimed 37 wickets in seven matches.
He is expected to lead the pace attack alongside Mukesh Kumar and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, while Shahbaz Ahmed offers an all-round spin option.
Riyan Parag and Akash Deep unavailable
India internationals Riyan Parag and Akash Deep were not considered for selection as both continue their rehabilitation following surgeries. Akash Deep is recovering from back surgery, while Parag is undergoing rehabilitation after shoulder surgery following IPL 2026.
Opportunity for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in red-ball cricket
Despite limited first-class experience, Sooryavanshi has earned the leadership role following his remarkable rise over the past year. The left-handed batter has played eight first-class matches, scoring 207 runs, with a highest score of 93. The Duleep Trophy now presents an important opportunity for the youngster to establish himself in longer-format cricket.
Jharkhand opener Shikhar Mohan, who scored 613 runs in the previous Ranji Trophy season, has been included as the reserve opener. The squad also features wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra, batter Virat Singh, spin all-rounder Anukul Roy, Subranshu Senapati, Denish Das and Tripura’s Abhijit Sarkar.
East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Sudip Gharami
- Mohammed Shami
- Mukesh Kumar
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal
- Ishan Kishan (Captain)
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Vice-Captain)
- Virat Singh
- Kumar Kushagra
- Shikhar Mohan
- Subranshu Senapati
- Abhijit Sarkar
- Anukul Roy
- Denish Das
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Sports on thefoxdaily.com.
COMMENTS 0