Double Blow for East Zone: Kishan Out of Duleep Trophy Opener, Akash Deep Rested

The Duleep Trophy 2025 has hit early turbulence as East Zone’s preparations have suffered a double setback. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the opening match, while fast bowler Akash Deep has been advised rest due to fitness concerns. Both developments were confirmed by the East Zone team management ahead of their first fixture, leaving the squad with significant changes to make at the last minute.

Ishan Kishan’s Absence

Ishan Kishan, one of the biggest names in the East Zone lineup, was expected to play a pivotal role at the top of the order and provide stability behind the stumps. However, medical advice has ruled him out of the opener. While the team has not disclosed the exact nature of his setback. It is believed to be a precautionary measure to ensure his long-term fitness.

Kishan’s absence is a major blow, considering his recent form in the domestic circuit. His aggressive batting style and experience of playing international cricket would have given East Zone an edge. With the Asia Cup and other international assignments around the corner, the BCCI is taking no chances with the wicketkeeper-batter’s workload.

Akash Deep Rested

In another worrying development, speedster Akash Deep has also been sidelined for the opening clash after being advised rest. The Bengal pacer has been an integral part of East Zone’s bowling plans. Especially with his ability to swing the new ball and generate pace on flat tracks. His absence leaves the bowling unit short of experience.

Akash Deep has been carrying a minor strain, and the medical team recommended rest to avoid aggravating the issue. Though his injury is not considered serious, East Zone will miss his services at a time. When they were banking on a strong start to the tournament.

Replacements and Strategy

The East Zone think tank will now have to rethink their approach for the opener. With Kishan unavailable, a new wicketkeeper-batter will step into the playing XI. While the pace attack will rely heavily on younger bowlers to fill Akash Deep’s shoes. Players from the bench are expected to get opportunities. Which could turn out to be career-defining moments for them.

An official close to the team stated, “These setbacks are unfortunate, but the Duleep Trophy is also a stage for upcoming cricketers to showcase their potential. We believe the squad has enough depth to overcome these challenges.”

Tournament Context

The Duleep Trophy, India’s premier inter-zonal red-ball tournament, has long been considered a proving ground for cricketers aspiring to represent the national team. Strong performances here often catch the selectors’ eyes, paving the way for India A or senior team opportunities.

East Zone will be eager to overcome these early hurdles and put up a strong show in the tournament. While Kishan and Akash Deep’s absence will be felt. It also presents a golden chance for emerging talents to grab the spotlight.

🚨 Shardul Thakur to Lead West Zone in 2025 Duleep Trophy 🏏

In a new step for developing leadership. Experienced fast bowler Shardul Thakur has been named captain of the West Zone team for the 2025 Duleep Trophy, Which starts on August 28.

This decision was made by the zonal selectors on Thursday. It sets the stage for a tough and exciting tournament that kicks off the 2025–26 domestic season in India.

Fans often call Thakur “Lord Shardul” because he performs well in tough situations. He has played in all formats for India and his leadership will bring a mix of calm and energy to the West Zone squad.

West Zone has a mix of young talent and experienced players.

Some key names in the squad are:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal – The left-handed batter is known for his exciting style and is making a name for himself.
  • Shreyas Iyer – He’s back after an injury and wants to prove himself for a place in the national team.
  • Sarfaraz Khan – A top run-scorer in domestic cricket, he adds strength in the middle order.
  • Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shams Mulani, and Tushar Deshpande also make up a solid group.

Notably, older players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were left out.

This might be a sign that the team is focusing more on younger players. As both have had trouble staying in the national setup. Shardul Thakur’s captaincy is real and meaningful.

He is known for his hard work and fight on the field. His strong performances in Tests. Especially in Australia and England, have made him a trusted player. In domestic cricket, his bold approach and smart thinking have worked well.

His leadership will help players like Ashwin Kotian, Dharmendra Jadeja, and Shaunak Nagwaswala as they try to move up in the ranks. The Duleep Trophy is now more than just a local competition.

It’s a key event for players aiming to play red-ball cricket for India. Strong showings here often lead to selection in India A or even the senior team. The zonal format, which returned last season. Gives players a chance to play high-level cricket and represent their regions.

West Zone, the most successful team in Duleep Trophy. History with 19 titles, Aims to add another to their list under Thakur’s leadership.

With the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy coming next. The Duleep Trophy is the first opportunity for players to get started and build momentum.

Winning the Duleep Trophy would be a big boost for Thakur and his team. It would show the strength of West Zone cricket.

India looks to extend its record home run streak, and Green Park faces a viability test.

In the Green Park Stadium meeting room on Thursday, Shakib Al Hasan was the center of attention for twenty-six minutes. To finish his Test career, the experienced Bangladesh all-rounder casually revealed details of his chat with the selectors and the board chairman. The most decorated cricketer in the nation wants to host a farewell party in Mirpur, but given the current political climate, it might not go as planned. That means that the Kanpur Test, which begins on Friday, might be his last.

Another left-arm spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, would be waiting to play his first international match at home in his seven-year career. While it is unclear whether Shakib will end his Test career at Green Park.

They would both need to hope that the state association has put in place enough precautions against the forecast rains over the next three days in order to anticipate a spectacular event, whether it be a welcome or farewell, on the anticipated spin-friendly track of Green Park.

Green Park

Green Park, the location of numerous important Indian cricket matches, has the appearance of a typical 1990s Indian stadium without losing any of its attractiveness. There were practice nets that were practically touching the boundary ropes. A stand whose ability to accommodate large crowds was questioned. Floodlights that revealed the date of the last Test match between India and the host nation.

The venue director has responded to the allegations by saying that everything is set up for the ground to host the second Test matchup between Bangladesh and the United States. With record crowds expected and all required clearances in place.

Even the hosts, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, are aware of the venue’s shortcomings. They have recently chosen to hold the state’s more prestigious matches at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium. Which among its many contemporary upgrades also has an excellent drainage system.

Seven years before, in a Duleep Trophy match in Kanpur, an eight-minute drizzle had left the field unplayable all day. The venue director at Green Park, however, is certain that with the nearly full ground covered in tarpaulin sheets. Two super-soppers, and a self-certified statement of the quality of the drainage system. They are ready to face the challenge of the frequent drizzles that are expected over the next four days.

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Rahul, Pant, Suryakumar, Gill set to play Duleep Trophy

Duleep Trophy : Previous to the start of the international season. Senior players like Rohit, Kohli, Bumrah, and Ashwin are probably going to miss the competition.

The teams for India’s season-opening Duleep Trophy, which takes place on September 5. This month of the selection panel headed to given Ajit Agarkar. Without Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah. The majority of the other centrally contracted players. They’re going to take part in the four-team competition.

KL Rahul previously sustained an injury. This year that caused him to miss four of the five England Test matches. Rishabh Pant, who may play in his first red-ball match. After fully recovering from a vehicle accident in December 2022.  Are two players that will be being monitored. Aside from Rajat Patidar, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Suryakumar Yadav. These additional specialist batters are probably going to be selected among the four squads.

Mohammed Shami, who is getting close to being fully healthy. As he nears the end of his rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru, Shami has been gradually increasing his bowling workload over the past week.

Duleep Trophy Test Series IND vs BAN

The senior players will get a longer rest, The first of their ten Test assignments. A two-Test series against Bangladesh. Which begins in Chennai on September 19, begins. India will play five Tests in Australia and five at home.

Logistical reasons may force the simultaneous staging of two Duleep Trophy matches. Moving from Anantapur to Bengaluru commencing on September 5. There have been casual requests to see. If the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is willing to host the match.

The decision to include multiple contractual players in the league aligns with the BCCI’s objective of prioritising domestic cricket. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan lost their central contracts. According to a letter secretary Jay Shah sent out in February threatening “severe implications”. If the IPL was given priority over domestic cricket.

Originally, a convener from each of the six zones selected the winners of the Duleep Trophy. Which was a zonal contest. Agarkar was part of a BCCI working group that suggested changing the format. Former head coach Rahul Dravid, NCA chief VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, and BCCI general manager Abey Kuruvilla.

The selectors could give players from a wider pool including those in the targeted group enough opportunities. Starting on September 22, there will be a four-team competition. And will feature round-robin play between each club and the other three. The winner will be the topping at the conclusion of the standings.