The Duleep Trophy 2025 has already generated plenty of buzz in the domestic cricket calendar. But East Zone, one of the more exciting squads in this year’s tournament, has been hit with a double blow. Ishan Kishan has been sidelined due to injury and seamer Akash Deep has also taken medical advice and withdrew due to illness.
Absent Kishan, experienced opener Abhimanyu Easwaran has taken on the responsibility of leading East Zone. His appointment marks a shift in strategy, bringing calm leadership and technical solidity at the top of the order. Alongside him, a few fresh faces will get their chance to prove themselves on one of India’s oldest and most prestigious platforms.
Who Is Out and Why It Matters
Ishan Kishan’s Absence
Ishan Kishan is not just a wicketkeeper who scores runs; he is a fearless stroke maker and a natural leader. Having recently played in England’s county circuit, his match fitness had been under constant watch. Unfortunately, recurring concerns have now forced him to miss the tournament.
Why this matters for East Zone:
Kishan delivers powerful starts when playing red-ball cricket, exerting pressure back onto bowlers. His captaincy was expected to add a modern, aggressive edge to their squad while as wicketkeeper his agility saves runs while creating wicket-taking opportunities.
Akash Deep’s Withdrawal
Adding to East Zone’s woes, fast bowler Akash Deep has been ruled out as well. Akash Deep’s ability to produce both bounce and seam movement made him one of the brightest pace prospects over recent years, yet without him there would be less power in the pace unit and additional responsibility placed upon Mukesh Kumar and Mohammed Shami as senior bowlers.
Enter Abhimanyu Easwaran – The New Captain
With Kishan unavailable, the leadership baton has been passed to Abhimanyu Easwaran. The Bengal opener is no stranger to responsibility. Over time, he has captained Bengal in domestic cricket as well as leading India A on various occasions.
Why Easwaran is the Right Choice
Proven Consistency: Easwaran isn’t the kind of player who shines once in a while and then fades away. He’s piled up over 7,500 runs in first-class cricket, which says everything about how dependable he is. What really sets him apart is the way he absorbs pressure. When the dressing room gets nervous after a couple of quick wickets, he doesn’t panic. Instead, he settles in, slows the game down, and often brings the innings back under control.
Leadership Qualities: Having led teams before, he understands the importance of balance and strategy. His tactical awareness and ability to read the game show he’s more than just a run-scorer — he’s a thinking cricketer.
A Point to Prove: Even though he’s yet to cement a place in India’s Test squad, the Duleep Trophy offers him the perfect stage. A strong performance under his captaincy could remind the selectors of his value and put him right back in contention.
New Faces and Squad Adjustments
With Kishan out, the call has gone to Aashirwad Swain, the young keeper from Odisha. He’s only just making his way in domestic cricket, but people are already talking about his sharp glovework and the calm, uncomplicated way he bats. Swastik Samal has also been added as a standby option.
In the bowling department, Mukhtar Hussain has been brought in as Akash Deep’s replacement. Though not as experienced, Hussain has shown promise in domestic cricket with his ability to swing the ball both ways.
These changes may weaken East Zone on paper, but they also create opportunities for youngsters to make a mark on a big stage.
East Zone’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Experienced Batting Core – With Easwaran at the helm, supported by names like Riyan Parag, Virat Singh, and Denish Das, the top order looks steady.
- Seasoned Pacers – Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar can be lethal in helpful conditions.
- Balance of Youth and Experience – Fresh talent like Aashirwad Swain brings energy, while veterans provide backbone.
Weaknesses
- Loss of X-Factor – Without Ishan Kishan’s aggressive intent, the batting may look one-paced at times.
- Thin Bowling Depth – Replacements are promising but lack the experience of the players they replaced.
- Pressure of Leadership Transition – Switching captains so close to the tournament start can disrupt rhythm.
The Significance of the Duleep Trophy 2025
The Duleep Trophy has always been more than just another domestic competition. It is where India’s future stars prove themselves. For selectors, it’s a key yardstick for red-ball cricket potential. As players compete for their spot in the big leagues, this tournament provides them a forum to make an impressionful statement about who they are as individuals and show why they belong there.
This year, the Duleep Trophy has added significance because of India’s packed international calendar. Performances here could open doors to India A selections, overseas tours, and possibly Test call-ups. For East Zone players like Easwaran, Parag, and Swain, this tournament could define their careers.
Key Players to Watch
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain) – Stability at the top and leadership in the middle.
- Riyan Parag – An adept stroke player, capable of dominating both spin and pace.
- Virat Singh – Dependable middle-order batter who thrives under pressure.
- Mohammed Shami – Shami used his experience and expertise to lead attacks and provide guidance for young individuals.
- Mukesh Kumar – Reliable and accurate, especially with the new ball.
- Aashirwad Swain – All eyes will be on the young keeper stepping into Ishan Kishan’s shoes.
What to Expect from East Zone
East Zone may not look as intimidating as they did a week ago, but they still carry firepower. Their journey in Duleep Trophy 2025 will depend on:
- How quickly new players adapt to pressure situations.
- Whether senior pros step up in the absence of star names.
- Easwaran’s ability to inspire confidence and manage resources wisely.
Betting Insights and Tips
For those following the Duleep Trophy closely from a betting perspective, here are some angles to consider:
- Top Run-Scorer Market: Back Easwaran for consistency; Riyan Parag as a high-risk, high-reward choice.
- Top Wicket-Taker Market: Mukesh Kumar could be a value pick given conditions in Bengaluru.
- Team Performance: East Zone may struggle early but could surprise if youngsters click.
- Live Markets: Watch out for in-play odds after the first session—Easwaran’s patient batting style often steadies shaky starts.
Conclusion
East Zone was dealt a blow when Ishan Kishan was forced out of the Duleep Trophy 2025 tournament due to injury, yet that setback opened up opportunities for others to step forward and shine. Abhimanyu Easwaran took up captaincy as they gained a leader who can anchor innings and steady nerves in Abhimanyu Easwaran stepping in as captain; even without Kishan or Akash Deep as firepower there still enough quality within East Zone ranks that allow them to remain competitive.
The Duleep Trophy tournament has long been seen as a chance for futures to be built and reputations to be cemented. East Zone have come out strong, while Easwaran can use this event as an opportunity to demonstrate his natural leadership qualities.
If you are an avid follower of domestic cricket and searching for cricket betting tips, remember: wise bets depend on examining form, conditions and leadership changes–not simply looking at big names on paper.