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The Duleep Trophy 2025 has hit early turbulence as East Zone's preparations have suffered a double setback. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the opening match, while fast bowler Akash Deep has been advised rest due to fitness concerns. Both developments were confirmed by the East Zone team management ahead of their first fixture, leaving the squad with significant changes to make at the last minute. Ishan Kishan's Absence Ishan Kishan, one of the biggest names in the East Zone lineup, was expected to play a pivotal role at the top of the order and provide stability behind the stumps. However, medical advice has ruled him out of the opener. While the team has not disclosed the exact nature of his setback. It is believed to be a precautionary measure to ensure his long-term fitness. Kishan's absence is a major blow, considering his recent form in the domestic circuit. His aggressive batting style and experience of playing international cricket would have given East Zone an edge. With the Asia Cup and other international assignments around the corner, the BCCI is taking no chances with the wicketkeeper-batter's workload. Akash Deep Rested In another worrying development, speedster Akash Deep has also been sidelined for the opening clash after being advised rest. The Bengal pacer has been an integral part of East Zone's bowling plans. Especially with his ability to swing the new ball and generate pace on flat tracks. His absence leaves the bowling unit short of experience. Akash Deep has been carrying a minor strain, and the medical team recommended rest to avoid aggravating the issue. Though his injury is not considered serious, East Zone will miss his services at a time. When they were banking on a strong start to the tournament. Replacements and Strategy The East Zone think tank will now have to rethink their approach for the opener. With Kishan unavailable, a new wicketkeeper-batter will step into the playing XI. While the pace attack will

In a new step for developing leadership. Experienced fast bowler Shardul Thakur has been named captain of the West Zone team for the 2025 Duleep Trophy, Which starts on August 28. This decision was made by the zonal selectors on Thursday. It sets the stage for a tough and exciting tournament that kicks off the 2025-26 domestic season in India. Fans often call Thakur "Lord Shardul" because he performs well in tough situations. He has played in all formats for India and his leadership will bring a mix of calm and energy to the West Zone squad. West Zone has a mix of young talent and experienced players. Some key names in the squad are: Yashasvi Jaiswal - The left-handed batter is known for his exciting style and is making a name for himself. Shreyas Iyer - He's back after an injury and wants to prove himself for a place in the national team. Sarfaraz Khan - A top run-scorer in domestic cricket, he adds strength in the middle order. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shams Mulani, and Tushar Deshpande also make up a solid group. Notably, older players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were left out. This might be a sign that the team is focusing more on younger players. As both have had trouble staying in the national setup. Shardul Thakur's captaincy is real and meaningful. He is known for his hard work and fight on the field. His strong performances in Tests. Especially in Australia and England, have made him a trusted player. In domestic cricket, his bold approach and smart thinking have worked well. His leadership will help players like Ashwin Kotian, Dharmendra Jadeja, and Shaunak Nagwaswala as they try to move up in the ranks. The Duleep Trophy is now more than just a local competition. It's a key event for players aiming to play red-ball cricket for India. Strong showings here often lead to selection in India A or even the senior team. The zonal format, which returned last season. Gives players a chance to play high-level cricket and represent

Shubman Gill is reportedly being considered for a key leadership position in the upcoming Asia Cup. T20 competition following an outstanding spell as India's Test captain. Under Suryakumar Yadav's guidance. The Test captain is expected to take the role of vice-captain as expectations rise. Media outlets are taking notice of Gill's possible selection as vice captain. India's cricket body (BCCI) is reportedly determined to reinstate him as Suryakumar Yadav's deputy for the 2025 Asia Cup. According to RevSportz sources. Which is scheduled for September 9-28 in the United Arab Emirates. The current deputy, Axar Patel, is probably going to resign. The BCCI's increasing faith in Gill's leadership skills is reflected in this change in leadership. His leadership abilities were greatly enhanced by his dominant performance during the England tour, which included an incredible 754 runs in 10 Test innings. In addition, Shubman Gill's return to the T20I lineup signifies the conclusion of an extended absence. In July 2024, he played against Sri Lanka in the format for the final time. Given the upcoming Asia Cup, his explosive form is crucial. particularly in the 2025 Indian Premier League. When he scored 650 runs in 15 games, ranking second among the Gujarat Titans' top scorers. He is a powerful inclusion. As the Asia Cup begins, selectors are eager to strengthen India's leadership structure before the hectic T20 schedule begins. Preparation preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. A crucial first step in preparing Gill for future all-format captaincy is the appointment of Gill as vice-captain. Beyond debate about leadership, Gill's changing role indicates a change in Team India's strategy. He is already leading the Test team,. This move may indicate that he may eventually lead all formats. The shift appears more likely when older players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire or step down. Gill's leadership at home keeps him relevant. Additionally, he was just selected

In a significant development for Indian women's cricket, left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana has officially announced her retirement from all forms of the game. The Hyderabad-born cricketer, known for her accurate spin bowling and consistent performances, leaves behind a career that inspired many young girls to take up the sport. A Notable Career in Blue Gouher Sultana made her international debut for India in 2008 and quickly established herself as a reliable slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Across her career, she represented India in both ODIs and T20Is, playing against some of the toughest opposition sides in world cricket. Her ability to extract turn and maintain a tight line and length made her a dependable option in the middle overs. Sultana's spell of accuracy often broke partnerships and kept batters under pressure. She was also one of the few Indian women cricketers from the South Zone to gain prominence during the late 2000s, representing Hyderabad on the domestic circuit with distinction. Career Highlights One Day Internationals (ODIs): Gouher played 50 ODIs for India, claiming crucial wickets at an impressive economy rate. T20 Internationals (T20Is): She featured in 37 T20Is, contributing to India's rise in women's cricket during the format's early years. She was part of India's squads in multiple ICC tournaments, including the Women's Cricket World Cup and the T20 World Cup, where her experience proved valuable. One of her standout moments came against Sri Lanka Women in 2010, where she delivered a match-winning spell that showcased her control and temperament under pressure. Domestic Stalwart At the domestic level, Sultana was a mainstay for Hyderabad, guiding her side with both performances and mentorship. Her consistency in the Women's Senior One-Day and T20 tournaments often made her a top wicket-taker for her state. She also represented the India Red and India Blue teams in Challenger Trophy tournaments, further underlining her stature as one of the