Duleep Trophy 2026: Mukesh Kumar And A Cast Of Test Hopefuls Make Their Mark In Semi Final

A fast-moving day propelled East Zone into the final of the Duleep Trophy 2026 after they emerged victorious against Central Zone by four wickets in a nervy semi-final at Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru.

The identical first-innings totals ensured that everything came down to the second innings. Central Zone could set a target of only 159, which East Zone chased down within 40 overs. It wasn’t the most straightforward run chase, but East Zone captain Ishan Kishan stayed at the crease until the end to see his team through.

Effectively, it was the pacers who were the catalysts in East Zone’s win. Mukesh Kumar was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball, finishing with a seven-wicket haul. The out-of-favour India pacer took three wickets in the first innings and followed it up with four in the second essay. There was decent grass covering, and on such wickets, Mukesh has always done well. Most of his wickets came with the semi-old ball. He was moving the ball in the air and off the seam in order to trap the batters.

His ability to land the ball in the same spot and make it move both ways kept the batters guessing — just ask Aman Mokhade. The Central Zone batter was leaving the ball well by covering the off-stump line. Mukesh kept bowling in the channel before slipping in an incoming delivery that found Aman plumb in front of the wicket. On wickets with even a hint of movement on offer, Mukesh looks like a completely different bowler. He last played a Test in 2024 and is down the pecking order, but one more good game could see Mukesh get back into the scheme of things.

From the other end, Mohammed Shami was as relentless as Mukesh. The ageing fast bowler also took a remarkable catch off his own bowling, showing quick reflexes. His pace was up, and he bowled with a lot of discipline and heart. Shami hasn’t given up on his return, and he is keeping that comeback dream alive by putting in consistent performances.

Shifting from the pacers to a spinner, Harsh Dubey looked a class apart with the ball in hand. With eight wickets on a seam-friendly wicket, Harsh showed why he is part of India’s Test plans. Manav Suthar has become indispensable for now, but if the opportunity comes Harsh’s way, he is ready to grab it with both hands.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was in rampaging mode when Harsh beat him in the air and denied him a century. He has developed a happy knack for breaking partnerships. Even with the bat, Harsh scored 51 runs in the game.

His Vidarbha teammate, Yash Thakur, who made his international debut earlier this year, also bowled well. The right-arm skiddy pacer may have only four wickets to show for his efforts, but he displayed a lot of character in the game. Sooryavanshi thumped him all over the park in the first innings. Taking confidence from that effort, the 15-year-old went after the same bowler in the second innings. After a few hits, Yash had the last laugh by taking his wicket.

Yash is someone who can make things happen even on lifeless wickets. Over the years, he has done it for Vidarbha; now, he seems keen to earn a Test cap. He is another promising red-ball prospect for India’s future.

Among all the top-order batters who played in the game, the least experienced, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, amassed the most runs. A different side of his batting was on display. The teenage sensation showed that he has the method and tools to succeed in red-ball cricket as well.

Abhimanyu Easwaran also batted really well. Without getting a chance to prove himself, he was axed from the Test squad, but in domestic cricket, the right-handed batter continues to do well. A compact technique, solid temperament and wealth of experience make him one of the standout top-order batters in the country in red-ball cricket.

Like Mukesh, another strong showing from Easwaran will force the selectors to rethink his selection, as there aren’t many back-up top-order options in the Indian Test team.

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