Ishan Kishan has been named captain of the East Zone team for the opening Duleep Trophy of the 2026-27 domestic season, while teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed vice-captain. The selection gives Sooryavanshi another opportunity to strengthen his credentials in red-ball cricket after his recent success in the IPL and international matches.
Sooryavanshi handed key leadership role
Sooryavanshi's appointment as vice-captain marks another milestone in his rapid rise. He is expected to open the innings alongside experienced Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran, according to Cricinfo.
Despite earning recognition in white-ball cricket, the left-hander has featured in only eight first-class matches, scoring 207 runs with a highest score of 93. The Duleep Trophy is expected to provide him with an extended run in the longer format.
Experienced players strengthen East Zone squad
Easwaran, who has played more than 100 first-class matches, will look to regain form after falling out of the India A setup late last year. Jharkhand batter Shikhar Mohan, who scored 613 runs in his debut Ranji Trophy season, has been included as the reserve opener.
The bowling attack will be led by India pacers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar. Shami returns after taking 37 wickets in seven matches during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season and is expected to spearhead the pace unit alongside Mukesh Kumar and Bengal pacer Suraj Jaiswal.
Parag, Akash Deep unavailable due to rehabilitation
The selectors did not include all-rounder Riyan Parag and fast bowler Akash Deep as both continue their rehabilitation after surgeries. Parag is recovering from a right shoulder operation following IPL 2026, while Akash Deep is undergoing rehabilitation after back surgery.
Jharkhand players earn multiple spots
Kishan will serve as the team's first-choice wicketkeeper, with fellow Jharkhand cricketer Kumar Kushagra named as the reserve wicketkeeper.
Jharkhand is also represented by top-order batter Virat Singh and spin-bowling all-rounder Anukul Roy, who was part of India A's title-winning tri-series campaign in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, Tripura's Abhijit Sarkar, Odisha batter Subranshu Senapati and Bengal batter Denish Das have also secured places in the 15-member squad.
East Zone squad
Ishan Kishan (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (vice-captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Gharami, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Jaiswal, Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Subranshu Senapati, Abhijit Sarkar, Anukul Roy and Denish Das.
