East Zone finally have their hands back on the Duleep Trophy, ending a 13-year drought with a commanding title win over South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Led by skipper Ishan Kishan, the side delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in recent domestic cricket history.

An Innings for the Ages

The final ended in a draw on the scorecard, but East Zone were crowned champions on first-innings lead — the rule that decides drawn finals in Indian domestic cricket. After posting a massive 708 in their first innings, they bowled South Zone out for just 336, securing a decisive 372-run lead.

At the heart of it all was Ishan Kishan himself, who produced a knock for the ages: 270 in the first innings, followed by 80 in the second, earning him the Player of the Match award. It’s a performance already being talked about as one of the greatest individual displays in the tournament’s history.

Duleep Trophy 2026: Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Champions	East Zone
Titles Won	3rd Duleep Trophy
Drought Ended	13 years
Captain	Ishan Kishan
Player of the Match	Ishan Kishan (270 & 80)
First Innings Score	708
Lead Secured	372 runs
Most Titles (Overall)	West Zone (19)

Sooryavanshi’s Rising Role

The title also carried special significance for young vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who played a key role in East Zone’s semi-final win over Central Zone before the side went on to seal the final against South Zone.

Celebrations Go Viral

Videos of the East Zone camp celebrating in Chennai have since gone viral, with Kishan handing the trophy to teammate Mukesh Kumar before Sooryavanshi joined in embracing the silverware — a fitting end to a memorable campaign.

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