The East Zone team has undergone a late overhaul ahead of the Duleep Trophy 2025. Ishan Kishan, named captain barely weeks ago, will not feature in the tournament. The 27-year-old was ruled out on Sunday, August 17, forcing a swift reshuffle. His absence paves the way for 20-year-old Aashirwad Swain, Odisha’s promising wicketkeeper-batter, to step into the squad. The Odisha Cricket Association confirmed the inclusion through a post on X. The statement read: “Odisha’s wicketkeeper-batter Aashirwad Swain has been selected for the East Zone squad in the Duleep Trophy, replacing Ishan Kishan! He joins Sandeep Pattnaik in the squad, while Swastik Samal has been named as standby.” Swain’s credentials reveal measured consistency. In 11 first-class matches, the right-hander has amassed 615 runs at an average of 30.75, including three fifties, with a top score of 77. His glovework adds weight — 32 catches and 3 stumpings underline his reliability behind the stumps. Read also: Shardul Thakur defends Gautam Gambhir, praises his grit Abhimanyu Easwaran to Lead; Duleep Trophy Schedule Unchanged With Kishan sidelined, Bengal’s Abhimanyu Easwaran assumes the leadership role. The 29-year-old, already vice-captain, steps up with 7,841 first-class runs in 103 matches, a testament to his experience. The East Zone roster features names like Riyan Parag, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Virat Singh. Swastik Samal joins as a standby option. The squad will contest North Zone in the opening quarterfinal from August 28 to 31 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, Bengaluru. Shubman Gill leads the northern unit, which includes Yash Dhull and Arshdeep Singh. Ishan Kishan, who has represented India in two Tests, 27 ODIs, and 32 T20Is since his 2021 debut, last appeared in county cricket for Nottinghamshire in June. His absence marks a significant shift for East Zone as the prestigious six-team competition commences on schedule.