East Zone wins Duleep Trophy after nearly 14 years

East Zone secured the Duleep Trophy, ending a nearly 14-year wait for the title. Coach Ratan Kumar attributed the success to a dressing-room culture that prioritized trust and open communication among a diverse squad of domestic and international players. Captain Ishan Kishan received praise for his tactical understanding and calm leadership throughout the campaign. The team integrated senior professionals such as Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Anukul Roy with emerging talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Kumar Kushagra. Management encouraged younger players to express themselves freely, which the coaching staff identified as a core component of the team's tournament performance. The victory marks a significant milestone for the region after over a decade without a championship.

• 11:06 PMYahoo Sports — Ishan Kishan’s leadership, bonding and youthful fearlessness: How East Zone ended exile-like wait for Duleep Trophy triumph