Duleep Trophy 2026-27: Ishan Kishan to Captain East Zone, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Vice-Captain
Ishan Kishan will lead East Zone in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, with teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appointed vice-captain as the domestic red-ball season gets underway. The squad also includes Test players Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar.
Ishan Kishan to Lead East Zone in Duleep Trophy
Kishan is expected to take up wicketkeeping duties alongside his captaincy role. Jharkhand wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra has also been included in the 15-member squad, giving East Zone another option behind the stumps.
Sooryavanshi’s appointment as vice-captain gives him an opportunity to showcase his red-ball credentials after making a strong impact in IPL and international cricket. He is expected to open the batting alongside Bengal veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s First-Class Record
Sooryavanshi has played only eight first-class matches so far, scoring 207 runs in 12 innings at an average of 17.25. His highest score is 93.
His most recent first-class appearance came in a Plate league Ranji Trophy match for Bihar against Meghalaya last year. The Duleep Trophy will therefore provide the young batter with another opportunity to demonstrate his ability in the longer format.
Abhimanyu Easwaran Brings Experience
Easwaran is the most experienced player in the East Zone squad, having featured in 113 first-class matches. He is also the team’s highest run-scorer in the format.
The Bengal opener will be looking to make a strong return after losing his place in the India A setup late last year. Jharkhand’s Shikhar Mohan has been named the reserve opener after finishing the latest Ranji season as his team’s leading run-scorer with 613 runs.
Mohammed Shami Leads East Zone Pace Attack
Mohammed Shami is set to spearhead the East Zone bowling attack after an impressive 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign. The Bengal fast bowler claimed 37 wickets in seven matches during the season.
Shami is expected to be joined by Mukesh Kumar and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, making the pace attack predominantly Bengal-based. Shahbaz Ahmed, another Bengal player, provides an all-round option with his left-arm spin.
Riyan Parag and Akash Deep Not Considered
Riyan Parag and Akash Deep were not considered for selection as both remain in rehabilitation following surgeries.
Akash Deep is recovering from back surgery, while Parag is undergoing rehabilitation after right shoulder surgery following IPL 2026.
East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026-27
The East Zone squad comprises Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Gharami, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Subranshu Senapati, Abhijit Sarkar, Anukul Roy and Denish Das.
Jharkhand’s Virat Singh and spin all-rounder Anukul Roy are also part of the squad. Roy had earlier featured for India A during their successful tri-series campaign in Sri Lanka in June. Tripura is represented by Abhijit Sarkar.
With Kishan leading the side, Sooryavanshi serving as vice-captain and Shami heading the pace attack, East Zone’s squad combines established domestic experience with younger players looking to make their mark in red-ball cricket.
