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East Zone will face defending champions Central Zone in the first semi-final of the Duleep Trophy 2026-27 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru, starting August 30. Ishan Kishan-led East Zone booked their place in the last four after producing a dominant performance against North East Zone in the quarter-final, winning by an innings and 210 runs.
East Zone’s squad combines international experience with promising young talent. Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar provide a formidable pace combination, while Ishan Kishan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Kumar Gharami and Shahbaz Ahmed give the batting unit plenty of depth. The inclusion of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added another fascinating dimension to the side.
The quarter-final also gave the selectors plenty of encouragement. Shahbaz Ahmed smashed 167, Gharami contributed 146, while Anukul Roy claimed five wickets as East Zone completely dominated North East Zone.
Here is the predicted playing XI of East Zone for their Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-final against Central Zone:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is likely to retain his place at the top of the order.
The teenage batter had a quiet outing with the bat in the quarter-final, scoring just eight runs, but he made an impact with the ball by claiming two wickets in four deliveries. His inclusion provides East Zone with an attacking option at the top and another part-time bowling resource.
The semi-final will be another important opportunity for the youngster to showcase his red-ball credentials.
Abhimanyu Easwaran should partner Sooryavanshi at the top.
The Bengal opener is among the most experienced first-class batters in the squad and has spent years producing consistent performances in domestic cricket. His ability to leave the ball and bat for long periods could be crucial against Central’s quality bowling attack.
Easwaran’s experience will also complement the fearless approach of his young opening partner.
Captain Ishan Kishan is expected to bat at No. 3 and continue behind the stumps.
The left-hander is one of East Zone’s most accomplished players and can change the momentum of an innings quickly. His aggressive approach makes him particularly dangerous once the ball gets older.
As captain, Kishan will also have to manage a bowling attack featuring Shami, Mukesh and multiple spin options.
Sudip Kumar Gharami is likely to continue at No. 4 after an outstanding quarter-final.
The Bengal batter smashed 146 against North East Zone and played a major role in East Zone’s mammoth first-innings total. His ability to combine patience with attacking strokes makes him an ideal No. 4.
Central Zone will be wary of allowing Gharami to settle because another substantial contribution could put East in a commanding position.
Virat Singh should occupy the No. 5 position.
The Jharkhand batter provides another left-handed option in the middle order and can rotate the strike while also attacking loose deliveries. His ability to build partnerships around the more aggressive Kishan and Shahbaz will be important.
With Central likely to deploy several spinners, Virat’s ability to negotiate the middle overs could become significant.
Shahbaz Ahmed is expected to retain his place after producing the standout performance of the quarter-final.
The Bengal all-rounder smashed 167 and was subsequently named Player of the Match. He also contributed with the ball, making him one of East Zone’s most valuable players.
His left-arm spin could be particularly useful against Central’s right-handed-heavy batting lineup.
Anukul Roy should provide East with another specialist spin option.
The Jharkhand all-rounder was one of the biggest stars of the quarter-final, claiming five wickets to help dismantle North East Zone’s batting lineup.
His ability to bowl long spells while contributing lower-order runs gives Ishan Kishan excellent balance.
Abhijit Sarkar is likely to retain his place as the third all-round option.
Sarkar can contribute with medium pace and add useful runs lower down the order. He also had an important role in East Zone’s first-innings bowling effort during the quarter-final.
His versatility allows Kishan to rotate his frontline bowlers without compromising the team’s balance.
Mohammed Shami will be the leader of East Zone’s pace attack.
The experienced Bengal seamer brings a wealth of international and first-class experience to the side. His ability to move the new ball and attack the stumps could make him a major threat to Central’s top order, particularly Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh.
After East’s dominant quarter-final, Shami will be expected to deliver another influential spell.
Mukesh Kumar should partner Shami with the new ball.
The Bengal pacer has established himself as one of India’s reliable domestic seamers and complements Shami with his disciplined line and length. His ability to keep creating pressure from one end could allow Shami to attack from the other.
Mukesh’s accuracy will be particularly valuable in a four-day knockout match.
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal could complete the XI as the third specialist seamer.
The Bengal bowling all-rounder offers an additional pace option and provides East with greater depth. His inclusion would give Kishan the flexibility to operate with three seamers while relying on Shahbaz and Anukul for spin.
Kumar Kushagra remains another option if East want additional batting depth, but the balanced combination of Jaiswal and the all-rounders appears more likely.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ishan Kishan (C & WK), Sudip Kumar Gharami, Virat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Anukul Roy, Abhijit Sarkar, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal
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