India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has received another major boost in his rapidly rising career after being named vice-captain of the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026.

The 15-member squad will be captained by Ishan Kishan, while veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami also features in the team for the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Bengaluru, with the inter-zonal competition bringing together some of India’s top domestic cricketers.

Another Leadership Role for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The vice-captaincy is another significant milestone for Sooryavanshi, who has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past few months.

The young batter recently made his India debut on the UK tour before continuing his impressive form during the T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he was named the Player of the Series.

His appointment as vice-captain reflects the confidence selectors have in both his leadership qualities and cricketing ability despite his young age.

Ishan Kishan to Captain East Zone

Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been entrusted with leading the East Zone side.

Fresh from an outstanding Zimbabwe tour, where he played several match-winning knocks, Kishan will now guide a squad that blends experienced campaigners with exciting young talent.

His leadership will be crucial as East Zone aim for a strong campaign in the domestic tournament.

Mohammed Shami Continues Domestic Journey

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has also been included in the squad.

The 35-year-old has not represented India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final, but he remains active in domestic cricket.

Shami featured for Bengal during the 2025-26 domestic season and also played 13 of Lucknow Super Giants’ 14 matches in IPL 2026, showing that he continues to be an important performer.

His experience will significantly strengthen East Zone’s pace attack.

Strong East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy

Apart from Kishan, Sooryavanshi and Shami, the squad includes several established domestic performers such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Kumar Kushagra.

The combination of experienced internationals and promising youngsters makes East Zone one of the strongest teams heading into the tournament.

East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

• Ishan Kishan (Captain)
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Vice-Captain)
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Sudip Kumar Gharami
• Shahbaz Ahmed
• Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal
• Mohammed Shami
• Mukesh Kumar
• Kumar Kushagra
• Shikhar Mohan
• Anukul Roy
• Virat Singh
• Subhranshu Senapati
• Denish Das
• Abhijit Sarkar

Standby Players:

• Ayush Loharuka
• Sridam Paul
• Sambit S. Baral
• Sharandeep Singh
• Swastik Samal

With several international stars and emerging talents in the lineup, East Zone will head into the Duleep Trophy as one of the favourites to challenge for the title.

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India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has revealed how senior players are helping teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remain focused on cricket and avoid distractions from social media and outside noise.

The 15-year-old couldn’t repeat his half-century heroics from the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in the second match of the series, scoring a quick 20 off nine balls.

However, Ishan believes there is little reason to worry about the youngster and explained how the Indian dressing room is helping him navigate the early stages of his international career.

Ishan Kishan Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Speaking at the post-match press conference following India’s victory in the second T20I, Ishan described Sooryavanshi as a smart youngster who already understands his responsibilities on and off the field.

According to Ishan, however, the challenge for a young player isn’t restricted to performing with the bat.

Social media attention, outside opinions and distractions within a player’s social circle can potentially affect their development.

Ishan, who says he comes from a similar background, believes experienced players can help Sooryavanshi avoid some of those problems.

Team India Wants Vaibhav Focused Only on Cricket

Ishan revealed that several Indian players, including Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel, regularly interact with Sooryavanshi and encourage him to concentrate on cricket.

The idea is to prevent the teenager from becoming overly concerned with social media reactions or outside criticism, particularly when he doesn’t score runs.

“Right now, he thinks as much as possible about cricket, rather than what’s happening on social media, what the outside noise is, or letting his body language drop if he isn’t scoring runs,” Ishan said.

The Indian players are also careful about how they communicate with the youngster, given his age and the enormous attention surrounding his career.

Ishan Calls Sooryavanshi a Special Talent

Sooryavanshi has already demonstrated his ability to completely change a game during the powerplay.

Ishan highlighted the enormous impact the youngster could have if he remains at the crease for the opening six overs.

According to him, a batter with Sooryavanshi’s attacking ability could potentially help India reach 80 to 90 runs in the powerplay.

That explosive potential is one of the reasons India’s players are particularly keen to ensure he remains focused on his development rather than getting distracted by the attention surrounding him.

Senior Players Taking a ‘Brother-Like’ Role

Ishan also explained that his relationship with Sooryavanshi goes beyond regular advice between teammates.

He wants the youngster to avoid mistakes that more experienced players made during the early stages of their own careers.

Those lessons include maintaining the right mindset, taking care of physical fitness and handling the pressures that accompany international cricket.

“Our job as teammates, especially since we are like brothers, is to keep him happy, make him focus on the important things, and ensure he doesn’t repeat the mistakes we made in our early days,” Ishan said.

Sooryavanshi’s Explosive Start to International Cricket

After scoring a half-century in the opening T20I, Sooryavanshi once again demonstrated his attacking intent in the second game.

Although his innings ended at 20 from nine deliveries, his aggressive approach helped India maintain early momentum.

Ishan then took responsibility after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, producing a match-winning 81 off 44 balls as India registered a dominant victory.

For Team India, the priority now appears to be allowing Sooryavanshi to continue playing his natural game while shielding the teenager from unnecessary pressure during the formative stages of his international career.

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India have reclaimed the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings after securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match series against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The reigning ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions moved back above England, who had previously taken the top position following their dominant 4-0 T20I series victory over India.

India’s return to the summit comes after two convincing performances against Zimbabwe, with the bowlers setting up victory in the opening game before the batting unit took centre stage in the second T20I.

India Bounce Back After Difficult England Series

India entered the Zimbabwe tour under pressure following a disappointing run of results.

England had taken advantage of India’s struggles by completing a 4-0 T20I series victory and replacing them at the top of the rankings.

However, Shreyas Iyer’s side responded strongly in Harare.

India comfortably won the opening T20I before producing another commanding all-round performance in the second match to seal the series with one game remaining.

Ishan Kishan Leads India’s Batting Charge

India suffered an early setback in the second T20I after losing two wickets, but Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer quickly steadied the innings.

The pair added 66 runs, ensuring Zimbabwe couldn’t capitalise on their early breakthroughs.

Kishan went on to play the biggest innings of the match, smashing 81 from 44 deliveries.

His knock provided the foundation for India to build a massive total.

Speaking after the match, Kishan explained that his priority after the early wickets was to assess the conditions and build a partnership rather than immediately chasing an enormous score.

Tilak Varma Smashes 60 From 29 Balls

Tilak Varma then provided another major acceleration through the middle and latter stages of the innings.

The left-hander struck a brilliant 60 from only 29 balls, giving India’s innings the momentum required to move beyond the 200-run mark.

His aggressive knock, combined with Kishan’s 81, helped India post a formidable target of 220 runs.

The performance was particularly encouraging for Tilak after questions had been raised about his recent T20I form and effectiveness through the middle overs.

Zimbabwe Collapse Under Huge Chase

Zimbabwe needed a near-perfect batting performance to chase down the target, but India’s bowlers quickly ended their hopes.

The hosts lost five wickets inside the opening nine overs, leaving the middle and lower order with an almost impossible recovery job.

Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 129, handing India a comprehensive 90-run victory.

The result gave India an unbeatable 2-0 advantage in the three-match series.

India Reclaim ICC T20I No.1 Ranking

The back-to-back victories were enough for India to regain the top position in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.

It represents an important turnaround after their difficult series against England.

India’s young squad has also produced several encouraging individual performances during the Zimbabwe tour, giving the team management additional options as they continue shaping the side for future T20I assignments.

India Eye Series Clean Sweep

With the series already secured, India will now have an opportunity to complete a 3-0 clean sweep.

The final T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played in Harare on July 26.

India could also use the dead rubber to test their bench strength, particularly with captain Shreyas Iyer indicating that changes could be considered for the final match.

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India sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 90-run victory in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest.

Ishan Kishan struck 81 and Tilak Varma added 60, with their rapid partnership helping India post an imposing 219 for 5. Zimbabwe’s chase never fully recovered from a cluster of wickets after the powerplay, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 129 in 17.5 overs.

Zimbabwe Strike Early After Choosing to Bowl

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza opted to field first and his bowlers gave the hosts an encouraging start.

Abhishek Sharma was dismissed cheaply, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi immediately counterattacked. The young left-hander went after Richard Ngarava, collecting three fours and a six from consecutive deliveries in the third over.

Ngarava responded well, removing Sooryavanshi when the batter mistimed a hard-length delivery towards mid-on.

India had lost two early wickets, but their experienced middle order quickly restored control.

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer Rebuild India’s Innings

Kishan joined captain Shreyas Iyer and the pair added 66 runs for the third wicket.

Scoring wasn’t always straightforward, with the surface preventing the ball from coming onto the bat cleanly. Kishan also survived an early chance, while Iyer initially needed time to settle.

The India captain eventually found his rhythm and attacked Brian Bennett in the tenth over, striking three boundaries.

His acceleration was cut short when he was dismissed from the final delivery of the over, leaving India needing another partnership to maintain their momentum.

Kishan and Tilak Take Control

Tilak Varma ensured Iyer’s dismissal did not give Zimbabwe an opening.

Kishan and Tilak added 94 runs from just 43 deliveries, dramatically increasing India’s scoring rate during the second half of the innings.

Tilak stepped up his attack in the 14th over, striking three boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani.

Kishan continued applying pressure from the other end and launched Raza for six as Zimbabwe struggled to contain the left-handed pair.

Kishan eventually fell for 81 in the 18th over, caught at deep point while attempting to reach a wide delivery.

Tilak Varma Helps India Reach 219

Tilak continued the attack after Kishan’s departure and completed a blazing half-century of his own.

Late contributions from Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube further boosted India’s total, with the visitors finishing on 219 for 5 from 20 overs.

Tilak ended with 60 as India set Zimbabwe a daunting target of 220.

Brian Bennett Gives Zimbabwe Fast Start

Zimbabwe needed an aggressive powerplay and Brian Bennett provided exactly that.

Bennett refused to allow India’s quicks to settle, attacking Mayank Yadav and debutant Yash Thakur with inventive strokeplay.

His innings included several scoops, but the same aggressive approach eventually brought his downfall.

While attempting a reverse scoop, Bennett was cramped for space and lobbed a catch to the wicketkeeper, departing for 32.

Prince Yadav Strikes Before Injury

Bennett’s dismissal opened the door for India.

Zimbabwe quickly slipped to 49 for 4, with Prince Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi striking soon after the powerplay.

Prince was particularly impressive, taking two wickets for just 10 runs, but his spell ended prematurely.

After dismissing Sikandar Raza, the pacer appeared to suffer a problem with his left hamstring and was forced to leave the field.

Abhishek Sharma’s Three-Wicket Burst Ends Zimbabwe’s Chase

Ryan Burl attempted to keep Zimbabwe in the contest with an attacking approach, while Tadiwanashe Marumani also offered some resistance.

India, however, continued finding wickets at regular intervals.

Abhishek Sharma proved especially effective with the ball. After having a disappointing outing with the bat, he responded by taking 3 for 17.

His triple strike accelerated Zimbabwe’s collapse and the hosts were dismissed for 129 in 17.5 overs.

The result completed a comprehensive 90-run victory and ensured India wrapped up the series before the final match.

India Take Unassailable 2-0 Lead

The victory was another strong response from an Indian side that arrived in Zimbabwe following difficult results against Ireland and England.

India’s batting showed considerably more firepower in the second game, while the bowling unit once again found regular breakthroughs.

With the series now secured at 2-0, India could use the final T20I to test some of their other squad members, although Prince Yadav’s injury is also likely to force at least one change.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid a clean sweep and finish the series with a victory.

Brief Scores

India 219/5 in 20 overs
Ishan Kishan 81, Tilak Varma 60; Newman Nyamhuri 1-25

Zimbabwe 129 in 17.5 overs
Brian Bennett 32; Abhishek Sharma 3-17, Prince Yadav 2-10

India won by 90 runs and lead the three-match series 2-0.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role