Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is set to return to competitive cricket as he has been named in the East Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025-26, starting August 28. This marks an important step in Shami’s comeback journey, especially after missing out on India’s recent tour of England due to fitness concerns.
Shami Eyes India Comeback with Duleep Trophy Performance
Mohammed Shami, who has not featured regularly at the highest level since the 2023 ODI World Cup, will be looking to use the Duleep Trophy as a platform to prove his long-form match fitness. The selectors will be keeping a close eye on his performances as he aims to break back into India’s red-ball plans ahead of the 2025-26 Test season.
The East Zone squad will be led by Ishan Kishan, who has been in top form in England’s County Championship, representing Nottinghamshire. He’ll be supported by vice-captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, who continues to be a consistent performer in domestic cricket.
Other key players in the squad include Bengal pacers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, both of whom have had brushes with the Indian team in recent times. Assam’s Riyan Parag, Jharkhand’s Kumar Kushagra, and rising Odisha opener Sandeep Patnaik also find a place in the strong 15-member squad.
Promising Youngsters and Jharkhand Contingent Boost Squad Depth
Jharkhand contributes a significant chunk to the East Zone squad this year. Top-order batters Virat Singh and Sharandeep Singh, who were Jharkhand’s leading run-scorers in the last Ranji Trophy season, have earned their places. Wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra adds further depth to the middle order.
Among the exciting young talents, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been included in the standby list. The youngster made headlines earlier this year by scoring the fastest Youth ODI century during India U19’s tour of England. His inclusion reflects the selectors’ intent to nurture emerging stars for the future.
This edition of the Duleep Trophy also marks a return to the traditional zonal format, last used in the 2023-24 season. Unlike previous years, the teams have been selected by zonal selectors rather than national ones, adding more regional flavor to the competition. The matches will be played at the newly inaugurated BCCI Centre of Excellence.
East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2025-26
Main squad: Ishan Kishan (Captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran (Vice-captain), 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.
