The East Zone squad for the 2025 edition of the Duleep Trophy, India’s premier first-class domestic red-ball cricket tournament, has been announced, bringing pride to Assam with the inclusion of three talented cricketers. All-rounder Riyan Parag and batsman Denish Das have secured spots in the main 15-member squad, while Assam’s fast bowler Mukhtar Hussain has been named as a standby player.
Established in 1961-62, the Duleep Trophy, named after the legendary Indian cricketer Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji, is one of India’s most prestigious domestic red-ball tournaments. Typically contested between zonal teams, this year’s edition will see the East Zone kick off their campaign in the quarter-finals against North Zone on August 28 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The winning team will face South Zone in the next round, with the final scheduled to begin on September 11.
East Zone’s Formidable Squad for Duleep Trophy
The 15-member East Zone squad will be led by Jharkhand’s wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, who recently impressed with two half-centuries for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship Division 1. Bengal’s Abhimanyu Easwaran, currently with the Indian Test team in England, has been named vice-captain. The squad boasts notable players, including India’s experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who picked up six wickets in nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2025 IPL, alongside Bengal’s Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar.
Representing Assam, Riyan Parag has already made a mark with his performances. In the 2024 Duleep Trophy, playing for India A, he scored 193 runs in three matches, finishing as the team’s second-highest run-scorer, including a half-century in the final against India C. Additionally, in the 2025 IPL, Riyan amassed 393 runs in 14 matches for Rajasthan Royals, emerging as their second-highest run-scorer. He also etched his name in IPL history as the fourth-youngest captain when he led Rajasthan Royals in the absence of Sanju Samson.
Denish Das, another promising batsman from Assam, earned his spot through consistent domestic performances. His disciplined batting technique and ability to remain composed under pressure make him a vital asset to the team.
Mukhtar Hussain, named among the standby players, is a fast bowler from Assam who has impressed with his pace and control in domestic cricket. His selection reflects the depth of Assam’s bowling talent, and he stands ready to step into the main squad if needed.
East Zone Cricket Team: 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.
Standby Players: Mukhtar Hussain, Aasirwad Swain, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Swastik Samal, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Rahul Singh.
