Indian speed bowlers selected, young talent aged 14 designated as reserve player in East Zone's Duleep Trophy team
The East Zone squad for the upcoming 2025-26 Duleep Trophy has been announced, and it includes a star-studded lineup of cricketers. Among them is 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest player to debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a recent sensation in the cricket world.
Vaibhav, who was signed by Rajasthan Royals for a salary of 1.1 crore INR in IPL 2025, has already made a name for himself with his explosive batting prowess. In the recent IPL season, he scored a total of 252 runs, including a remarkable 101 off 38 balls against Gujarat Titans.
His talent was also evident during India U-19 tours, where he set several records. He scored the fastest and youngest century in Youth ODIs with 143 runs off 78 balls against England U-19s at Worcester. His consistent high-impact innings, such as a 48 off 19 balls and a 34-ball 45 earlier in the same series, have underlined his talent.
However, his figures in Youth Tests are more modest, with 90 runs in four innings at an average of 22.50. Despite this, his childhood coach and others have praised his multifaceted abilities, emphasizing that he is far from a one-dimensional player.
Vaibhav's inclusion in the East Zone squad marks his entry into more senior domestic competitions at a very young age. This inclusion attests to the high expectations from selectors and coaches regarding his future in Indian cricket.
The East Zone squad also includes three Test-capped pacers: Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Shami. Shami, who plays for Bengal, was not selected for the ongoing tour of England due to lack of match fitness. Ishan Kishan, a Test player and wicketkeeper, will lead the East Zone team in the tournament.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, the vice-captain, is an opening batter and part of the India Test squad but is yet to make his international debut. The squad also includes Riyan Parag, IPL captain this year, and Utkarsh Singh, an all-rounder. Suraj Jaiswal and Manishi are the bowlers, while Kumar Kushagra is the wicketkeeper.
The 2025-26 Duleep Trophy will be a zonal tournament with six teams: North, South, East, West, Central, and North East. The tournament is set to be an exciting showcase of Indian cricket talent.
References: [1] IPL 2025: Vaibhav Suryavanshi scores 101 off 38 balls against Gujarat Titans [2] Vaibhav Suryavanshi included among standby players in East Zone squad for 2025-26 Duleep Trophy [3] Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The youngest crore-pati from IPL mega auction [4] IPL 2025: Vaibhav Suryavanshi set to become youngest IPL player to earn crore [5] Vaibhav Suryavanshi breaks U-19 record with fastest century in Youth ODIs
Sports news outlets will likely cover the inclusion of Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the East Zone squad for the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, a significant step in the young cricketer's career as he makes his debut in more senior domestic competitions. Moreover, international cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be anticipating the upcoming tournament as a zonal event, featuring six teams and showcasing some of India's most promising talents in the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy.
