Duleep Trophy 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named vice-captain for East Zone to lead Ishan Kishan

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has appointed Ishan Kishan as the representative for the eastern zone Indian teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added another milestone in his fast-growing career after being named as the vice-captain of the East Zone team for the Duleep Trophy 2026. Fresh from winning the Player of the Series award during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, Sooryavanshi will serve as the representative for the prestigious Ishan Kishan of the East tournament on August-2. in Bengaluru.The vice-captaincy marks another major achievement for the youngster, who made his international debut during India’s tour of England earlier this month. After a string of impressive performances for India and in domestic cricket, Sooryavanshi has now been entrusted with a leadership role in one of India’s premier domestic tournaments.He is expected to open the batting alongside veteran Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who returns as the most experienced player in the squad with over 100 first-class appearances.

Ishan Kishan will lead the experienced East Zone team

Wicket-spinner Ishan Kishan will captain the East Zone team, which mixes seasoned international cricketers with new talent. Indian veteran Mohammed Shami is returning to the domestic circuit after missing international action since the Champions Trophy 2025 final. The 35-year-old featured for Bengal in the 2025-26 domestic season and also played 13 matches for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.The squad also includes Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, Jharkhand batsman Virat Singh, wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra and all-rounder Anukul Roy, who impressed during India A’s successful tri-series campaign in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Riyan Parag, Akash Deep missing

East Zone will be without two prominent names, Riyan Parag and Akash Deep, who are both continuing their rehabilitation after surgeries. Parag is recovering from right shoulder surgery while Akash Deep remains sidelined after back surgery. Neither player was considered for selection as they continue their rehabilitation programs.

East Zone Team for Duleep Trophy 2026

Complete line-up: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Gharami, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (vice-captain), Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Subranshu Daskar Ropati, Abhijish Sarapati, Abhijish SaratStandby modes: Ayush Loharuka, Sridam Paul, Sambit S Baral, Sharandeep Singh and Swastik Samal.The Duleep Trophy, one of India’s premier first-class competitions, begins in Bengaluru on August 23.