Duleep Trophy 2025: Ishan Kishan To Lead East Zone As Mohammed Shami Returns To The Squad

As India’s domestic cricket calendar gears up for its iconic revival of zonal competition, the Duleep Trophy, East Zone has announced a squad that blends experience, ambition, and leadership. With Ishan Kishan as captain and Mohammed Shami returning to domestic action, East Zone promises a compelling mix of firepower and finesse. The campaign kicks off August 28–31 in Bengaluru, with East Zone locking horns with North Zone in a clash that could set the trajectory of their tournament.

Let’s dive deep into the squad, strategy, and key narratives shaping East Zone’s quest for glory.

Ishan Kishan: Leading Again after Injury Setback

The 27-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, long missing in international plans, has been handed the captaincy—marking a turning point in his career. Having missed the England tour due to a crash on his scooter—derailing plans to join as wicketkeeper cover after Rishabh Pant’s injury—Kishan now has a golden chance to reassert himself.

“I wanted a break from the national pressure,” Kishan said in recent interviews. “But returning as captain reminds me what I’m capable of.”

Kishan’s aggressive batting, experience in high-pressure IPL playoffs, and knowledge of international cricket make him an ideal on-field strategist. As captain, his charge is clear: guide East Zone through the intensity of knockout cricket and showcase his leadership credentials for national consideration next season.

Mohammed Shami: The Veteran Bolt Returns

There’s no substitute for pace—and India veteran Mohammed Shami brings experience, discipline, and proven wicket-taking ability. Overlooked for the England tour, Shami’s inclusion in East Zone adds punch to the fast-bowling arsenal.

At 34, he remains India’s go-to strike bowler in Tests. His return offers two key advantages:

Wicket-Taking Versatility: Shami can operate in both red-ball and white-ball modes, swing the new ball, and reverse-swing old. Bengaluru’s pitches may not be traditionally green, but bounce and grip reward disciplined bowlers.
Mentorship Role: Young pacers like Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar can learn directly from Shami’s experience. His presence instills confidence and tactical insight.

Shami’s return could also remind selectors that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Rising Players & Core Strengths: Youth Backed by Experience

East Zone boasts a strong core of performers from India’s domestic landscape:

Abhimanyu Easwaran (Vice-Captain): A technically sound opener who has fought for consistency in first-class cricket. Known for his patience and adaptability, he anchors the lineup.
Akash Deep & Mukesh Kumar: Fast bowlers with India caps—capable of swinging the ball and delivering key breakthroughs.
Riyan Parag: The star of East India’s all-round talent pool, Parag brings batting versatility and part-time spin options.
Denish Das, Virat Singh, Sandeep Patnaik: Young batters building form in the U-19 and Ranji Trophy ranks.

Backing them are promising standbys—including Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who may yet earn a spot if fitness allows. East Zone appears primed to blend stability and unpredictability in a modern classically structured squad.

East Meets North: August 28–31 Showdown

Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (neutral venue), puts emphasis on performance rather than familiarity.

Pitch conditions: Historically a balanced track—some assistance to pacers early, but turns true for batting. This might suit East Zone’s blend of fast bowling and solid top-order.

Key Battles to Watch:

Shami vs North Zone openers: Expect an early burst under overhead clouds.
Kishan’s leadership test: Tactical field placements and pace control.
Parag/Easwaran vs North spinners: Test of temperament against turn.

With no return leg, this knockout comes with zero margin for error. East Zone must be battle-ready from ball one.

Strategy Focus: The East Zone Game Plan

East Zone’s leadership has outlined a clear blueprint:

Top-Order Stability: Easwaran, Kishan (opening), Denish Das/Patnaik for consolidation.
Dynamic Rotation: Rotate pacers to manage workloads, especially under Bengaluru’s humidity.
Fielding Excellence: Aware that West and South Zones excel in that department.
Bowling with Variations: Riyan Parag for off-spin option; Shami divides the spell across red/white phases.

As Kishan says, “It’s about adaptability and control. If we can hold partnerships and bowl in partnerships, we give ourselves a real shot.”

What Lies Ahead: Beyond the Trophy

National Reckoning for Kishan: A strong leadership stint could place him back on India’s Test or T20I radar.
Shami’s comeback narrative: Continued form domestically may earn him another Test loop-in, especially ahead of Sri Lanka 2026.
State Representation Impact: East Zone’s performance could impact Ranji selections this winter—especially for players like Parag and Mukesh.

Moreover, success in zonal cricket acts as a signal to selectors that India’s bench is deepening—a key consideration ahead of World Cup cycles.

Full East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2025

Playing XI:

Ishan Kishan (Captain, WK)
Abhimanyu Easwaran (Vice-Captain)
Denish Das / Sandeep Patnaik
Virat Singh
Riyan Parag
Sharandeep Singh / Utkarsh Singh
Mukesh Kumar (Pacer)
Akash Deep (Pacer)
Mohammed Shami (Pacer)
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal
Kumar Kushagra / Sridam Paul

Standbys:

Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Mukhtar Hussain
Aasirwad Swain
Swastik Samal
Sudip Kumar Gharami
Rahul Singh

East Zone Could Lead the New Home Cricket Narrative

This year’s Duleep Trophy is more than just a trophy chase; it’s a platform setting tone for India’s domestic resurgence. East Zone’s blend of veteran leadership, emerging firepower, and renewed hunger for results could establish them as a dark horse in the domestic season.

Expect Ishan Kishan’s leadership to become a talking point, Mohammed Shami to deliver critical breakthroughs, and young stars like Riyan Parag to step into the spotlight.

August 28 marks not just the return of zonal cricket—but a chance for East Zone to reclaim respect. Let’s see if their resolve matches their roster.