Live Scores

cricket Live Scores & Fixtures

Exclusive Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal: "Jumping out" from tough times to become Bengal's star of the season

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, in his debut season was one of the stars for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season taking 31 wickets in just 6 games with an excellent average of 13.06

Feb 20, 2024, 10:45 AM6 min read

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal shared his thoughts on his debut season for Bengal in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

The Bengal Men's Cricket team finished yet another season without any trophy. From Syed Mushtaq Ali, and Vijay Hazare to Ranji Trophy, Bengal have failed to bring glory to the state yet another year. But, in a season where the team management had to bring some new faces to the front, only Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal came up as a hero for the team. 6 games, 9 innings, 31 wickets at an average of 13.06, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal had a fantastic senior team debut season to remember. In an exclusive interview with Sportz Point, Suraj shared his thoughts on his debut season.

When the Bengal Ranji Trophy team was announced, Sportz Point was one of the first to announce the team from Eden Gardens and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal was one of the names listed on that list. Bengal was supposed to miss their leading bowler Mukesh Kumar. Though Suraj was touted to be picked for the Andhra game, he had to wait till the second game in Kanpur against Uttar Pradesh to make his first-class debut.

Suraj looked good with his 4 wickets in the first game but looked better in the Chattishagrh match in Kolkata, where he bowled 23 overs, gave away just 29 runs and took 4 wickets. In the next game against Assam, away from home, Suraj looked more lethal with his line and length, taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings along with a three-for in the first innings.

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal won the player of the match medalfor his 8-wicket haul against Assam in Ranji Trophy 2023-24  Image | CAB
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal won the player of the match medalfor his 8-wicket haul against Assam in Ranji Trophy 2023-24 Image | CAB

In the Mumbai match, Suraj claimed back-to-back five-wicket hauls, taking six wickets in the first innings while bowling long spells. He bowled 32 out of 94 overs Bengal bowled at Eden Gardens. Although the season didn't go well for Bengal, Suraj ensured that everyone would remember his name after his season.

Also Read: Manoj Tiwary Exclusive | "Opportunities will not come on your plate," Tiwary on zero bids for Bengal players in IPL auction

Although Suraj had to fill the big boots of Mukesh Kumar, he saw it as an opportunity to shine. "Obviously, it was difficult to replace bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and Akashdeep, but I knew that this was my opportunity to do well and learn from them if I get the chance to play alongside them," Suraj told Sportz Point.

"I was prepared to take the opportunity and do what I was doing with my club teams in all these days. I knew that I had to use my strength of bowling line and length, and the rest will be taken care of," Suraj expressed.

For a newcomer like Suraj, he needed the freedom and support from senior players and coaches to settle in at the first-class level, which he received from coaches like Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Shib Shankar Paul, and seniors like Manoj Tiwary and Anustup Majumdar. "Laxmi da, Manoj da, and coaches supported me well and gave me the freedom to go all out and keep doing what I was doing at the club level," Jaiswal stated.

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal recieved his debut capt from Shib Shankar Paul   Image | CAB
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal recieved his debut capt from Shib Shankar Paul Image | CAB

Before getting the maiden call-up for the senior Bengal team, Suraj was in red-hot form for Customs Club in Kolkata First-Division League. He feels that not having any expectations helped him to focus on what was in his hands. "I knew I was bowling well. But, I did not have any expectations this time. Last season, I was dropped from the team. So, I just wanted to focus on the tasks I had on my hand."

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal in his bowling stride at Eden Gardens.  Image | CAB
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal in his bowling stride at Eden Gardens. Image | CAB

Suraj's bowling action is different from the typical copy-book action, and he jumps out in his loading while bowling. Rahul Deb, the coach of Customs Club, mentioned before his debut that it would be difficult for someone new to face him because his bowling action brings a difficult angle for the batters.

"Yes, I have a different bowling action. But, my coach Sanjay Bagui sir always used to tell me about Imran Khan, who used to jump out in his bowling action as well. So, he used to tell me that if he can play with that bowling action, why can't I? Now, I used the jump as a strength with the natural ability to swing and move the ball both ways," Suraj expressed.

Additionally, Suraj has the strength of bowling for long spells, which was seen against Mumbai at Eden Gardens where he bowled 32 out of 94 overs for Bengal. Suraj never minded bowling long spells and has been doing this since his under-age cricket. And as per him, bowling longer spells in club cricket has also helped him build that strength.

Also Read: Exclusive Akash Pandey: Former Bengal U19 star is inspired by Sarfraz Khan's journey, takes 9/71 against Goa in Ranji Trophy

In addition to his bowling, Suraj is very much capable with the bat in his hand as well. In the six games so far, he averages 22.33 with the bat, including a fifty in the game against Assam. "I have worked hard on my batting since last year. I used to spend one and a half hours every day on my batting with my coach. I wish to contribute more with the bat," Suraj stated.

Suraj has been playing for the Bengal age-level teams since the U19 days and was part of the 2016-17 batch that won the Cooch Behar Trophy. Later on, he did well for the U-23 and U-25 teams as well, but the year 2023 taught him great lessons which the years of good times could not make him understand.

He lost his father and was dropped from the age group team for the first time in his career. He was devasted and even went into depression for a few days after that. But, just like his bowling action, he "jumped out" from the tough situation to become one of the best performers for the Bengal team this season.

"It was one of the difficult days for me. I was losing my way and briefly went into depression as well. But, my mother, brother and coach were there to support and guide me through that period. I started working harder on myself and that period made me mentally stronger and tougher."

Now after a good season, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal knows that there will be expectations from him in the next season. And, he is fully aware of that and does not want to be a one-season wonder for Bengal. "I want to go that next level; play for the country and things like that. I will keep working hard and keep giving my all out for Bengal," Suraj shared.

Follow us on Google News.

Next Article

No KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj in Duleep Trophy? BCCI writes to State Associations to include the centrally contracted players

BCCI has expressed strong displeasure over the exclusion of players like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj from the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

Aug 22, 2025, 12:00 PM4 min read

No KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj in Duleep Trophy? BCCI

The controversy over the key members of the Indian Test team not being selected for major domestic cricket tournaments continues to grow. Now The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed strong displeasure over the exclusion of top international players like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj from the South Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

After this, the Board has officially written a letter to all the state associations asking them to give priority to the selection of centrally contracted players for this opening tournament of the domestic season.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season

Many big names were not included

South Zone announced its team on July 27. Many big names like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna and Sai Sudharsan were not included in it.

The Duleep Trophy, which begins in Bengaluru on August 28, is considered an important platform for domestic and national level talents. The board did not like the decision of the South Zone to not include these players in the team despite their availability during the off-season.

Abey Kuruvilla wrote the email

BCCI General Manager of Cricket Operations Abey Kuruvilla addressed the issue in an email sent to zonal coordinators and state units last week. According to the reports, Kuruvilla stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of all available Indian players to maintain the prestige and competitive level of the Duleep Trophy. 

Kuruvilla wrote in the email, “To uphold its prestige and ensure the highest quality of competition, it’s imperative that all currently available India players are selected for their respective zonal teams. Requesting the Zonal Convenors to ensure that all the current India players who are available to play Duleep trophy should be picked.”

“All players, contracted or otherwise, who make themselves available for selection into Team India, shall participate in domestic matches conducted by BCCI,” 

“In case any player opts not to participate in any domestic cricket tournaments in spite of availability, he/she shall not be considered for selection unless a prior recommendation is obtained to skip the match/tournament from the National coach and the chairman of the selection committee, and prior approval from the BCCI. In case any leave is granted, the same shall be considered on the basis of some valid and cogent reason.” the email said.

Instructions to give priority to domestic cricket

This directive is in line with the BCCI's policy of making participation of international players mandatory in domestic competitions. The board had previously warned players against giving priority to the IPL over first-class cricket and earlier this year reminded all contracted players to remain committed to the domestic calendar.

However, this instruction from BCCI has come after South Zone announced its team. It is still not clear whether the selectors will make any changes in their list or not. Tilak Verma was made the captain of the team.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy: Shardul Thakur to lead the West Zone; no Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad

Questions were raised on international players

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer among many other players are expected to participate in the tournament representing their respective regions.

The state associations have previously expressed concern that the automatic inclusion of Indian stars in the regional teams overlooks Ranji players who have performed consistently throughout the season.

Many have argued that matches such as India A tours and Board President's XI would be a more suitable platform for international players, leaving regional tournaments as a rewarding avenue for domestic players.

Next Article

Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season

Ajinkya Rahane decided to step down from Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season. Rahane posted on X that he will continue to be available to play for Mumbai.

Aug 21, 2025, 11:25 AM3 min read

Ranji Trophy Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season

Veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane, on Thursday, has resigned from the captaincy ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. In a message on social media, Rahane made it clear that this is the time when the team should get a chance to develop new leadership.

Also Read: BCCI extends Ajit Agarkar's contract as Chairman of Selectors till June 2026

'I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader'

Rahane posted on his social media account that he would not continue as Mumbai captain in Ranji Trophy but would continue to represent the side as a player.

“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with @MumbaiCricAssoc to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season,” Rahane wrote on his X account.

Mumbai Team under Rahane's captaincy

Under Rahane's captaincy, Mumbai achieved stability and success in domestic cricket. Under his leadership, Mumbai ended a seven-year drought by winning the Ranji Trophy in 2023–24. Apart from this, he also led the team to victory in the Irani Cup in 2024-25 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022-23. These victories took his captaincy to new heights.

Despite giving up captaincy, the 37-year-old, who has scored over 14,000 runs in 201 first-class matches, made it clear that he is not retiring. He will continue to represent Mumbai as a batsman in all formats.

Rahane said that he will work for the team as a batsman with full enthusiasm and commitment. His main goal is to bring success to the team and help the new captain in his development.

Also Read: Five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference

Who will be the new captain?

Ranji Trophy Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season

India allrounder Shardul Thakur will lead the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season.

Thakur leading Mumbai was always on the cards especially after he was appointed as West Zone captain for Duleep Trophy. It is understood that the Mumbai senior selection committee spoke to Rahane before the season and had taken his feedback about future captaincy candidates.

Thakur has been playing a vital role in Mumbai’s Ranji success over the past few years. In addition to wickets, he has also bailed out Mumbai with lower-order runs. He also scored 505 runs for Mumbai last season where he slammed one hundred. He also took 35 wickets in nine matches.

Next Article

Bengal Cricket: Sudip Gharami and Tanusree Sarkar win C.A.B Cricketer of the Year Awards 2025; Rahul Prasad shines in U23

Sudip Gharami and Tanusree Sarkar won the C.A.B. Cricketer of the Year 2024/25 awards for men's and women's, respectively. Rahul Prasad won everything in the Men's U23 category. Dhara Gujjar won the highest run getter in Senior Women's ODI award.

Aug 5, 2025, 4:47 PM6 min read

Bengal Cricket: Sudip Gharami and Tanusree Sarkar win C.A.B Cricketer of the Year Awards 2025; Rahul Prasad shines in U23 | sportzpoint.com

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is all set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its cricketers as it announced the awardees for the 2024-25 season. The awards ceremony will recognise exceptional talent across various categories, spanning senior men’s, senior women’s, and junior levels, including under-23, under-19, under-16, under-15, and club league categories. 

When is the C.A.B. Award Ceremony?

As per multiple reports, the C.A.B. Award Ceremony for the 2024-25 season will take place on 30 August 2025 at the Dhana Dhanya Auditorium in Kolkata.

Who are the winners?

Sudip Gharami was named the C.A.B. Cricketer of the Year for 2024-25 season. | sportzpoint.com
Sudip Gharami was named the C.A.B. Cricketer of the Year for 2024-25 season. Image | CAB Media

In the senior men’s category, Sudip Gharami was named Cricketer of the Year, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Sayan Ghosh shared the Gentleman Cricketer and Best Fast Bowler awards, respectively. This is the second time Gharami will recieve the Cricketer of the Year Award.

Read Also: Bengal Players in IPL 2025 – Full List & Performance

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal wins C.A.B. Highest Wicket-taker of the Year Award for consecutive seasons. | sportzpoint.com
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal wins C.A.B. Highest Wicket-taker of the Year Award for consecutive seasons. Image | C.A.B. Media

Sudip Chatterjee earned the Highest Run Getter for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal will be honoured as the Highest Wicket Taker in the same tournament.

Read Also: Exclusive: 'Honoured' Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can't wait to bowl alongside Indian pacers in Duleep Trophy 2025

C.A.B. Awards 2024/25: Tanusree Sarkar won the Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year Award. | sportzpoint.com
Tanusree Sarkar won the Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year Award. Image | C.A.B.

The senior women’s category saw Tanusree Sarkar and Dhara Gujjar clinching the Highest Run Getter awards in the T-20 and One Day Tournaments, respectively, with Saika Ishaque recognised as the Highest Wicket Taker in the T-20 Tournament. Tanusree also won the Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year Award.

Both Tanusree and Dhara are with the India-A team in Australia at the moment.

Read Also: Bengal Women's Cricket Exclusive: Two out of two finals, record chase against Haryana, Jhulan Goswami, WPL and more

C.A.B. Awards 2024/25: Rahul Prasad won all the awards in U-23 Men's Category | sportzpoint.com
Rahul Prasad won all the awards in U-23 Men's Category. Image | C.A.B.

Among the junior categories, Rahul Prasad dominated the under-23 men’s section, securing multiple awards, including Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker.

Read Also: From delivering online food to getting selected for India U-19 camp, Rahul Prasad's journey is an inspiring one

C.A.B. Awards: Dyuti Paul won the Best U-23 Women's Cricketer of the Year Award. | sportzpoint.com
Dyuti Paul won the Best U-23 Women's Cricketer of the Year Award. Image | C.A.B.

Dyuti Paul and Sushmita Ganguly shone in the under-23 women’s category, with Paul named Best Women's U-23 Cricketer and Ganguly as the Highest Wicket-taker for Bengal in Women's Under-23 One Day Tournament.

Read Also: Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

In the under-19 category, Vishal Bhati emerged as a key figure, winning Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker, while Ipshita Mondal led the under-19 women’s section with the Highest Run Getter awards.

Sachin Yadav and Sandipta Patra were standout performers in the under-16 and under-15 categories, respectively, with Yadav named Best Bowler and Patra the Highest Run Getter.

The club league category will see Sayan Paul being honoured as the Best Under-19 Cricketer, rounding off a comprehensive recognition of talent across all levels. 

Read Also: Women's Cricket Exclusive: Age 14, 5 feet 8 inches tall, bowls left-arm wrist spin; Debjani Das is all set to be Bengal's next cricketing superstar

Cricket Association of Bengal Award Winners 2024-2025

Senior Men's

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Sudip Gharami Cricketer of the Year
2. Shahbaz Ahmed Gentleman Cricketer of the year
3. Sayan Ghosh Best Fast Bowler of the year
4. Sudip Chatterjee Highest Run getter for Bengal in Ranji Trophy
5. Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal Highest wicket-taker for Bengal in Ranji Trophy

Senior Women's

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Tanusree Sarkar Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year
2. Tanusree Sarkar Highest Run Getter for Bengal in Senior Women's T-20 Tournament
3. Dhara Gujjar Highest Run Getter for Bengal in Senior Women's One Day Tournament
4. Saika Ishaque Highest Wicket taker for Bengal in Senior Women's T-20 Tournament

Men's Under-23

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Rahul Prasad Best Under-23 Cricketer of the year
2. Rahul Prasad Best Bowler (Under-23) Years
3. Rahul Prasad Highest Run getter for Bengal in Col.C.K.Nayudu
4. Rahul Prasad Highest Wicket taker for Bengal in Col.C.K.Nayudu

Women's Under-23

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Dyuti Paul Best Under-23 Women's Cricketer of the Year
2. Dyuti Paul Highest Run getter for Bengal in Women's Under-23 One Day Tournament
3. Sushmita Ganguly Highest Wicket-taker for Bengal in Women's Under-23 One Day Tournament
4. Snehta Gupta Highest Run getter for Bengal in Women's Under-23 T-20 Tournament
5. Piyali Ghosh Highest Wicket taker for Bengal in Women's Under-23 T-20 Tournament

Men's Under-19

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Vishal Bhati Best Under-19 Cricketer of the Year
2. Yudhajt Guha Best Bowler Under-19 Years
3. Vishal Bhati Highest Run getter for Bengal in the Cooch Behar Trophy
4. Vishal Bhati Highest wicket-taker for Bengal in the Cooch Behar Trophy

Women's Under-19

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Ipshita Mondal Best Under-19 Women's Cricketer of the Year
2. Ipshita Mondal Highest Run getter for Bengal in Women's U-19 One Day Tournament
3. Ipshita Mondal Highest Run getter for Bengal in Women's U-19 T-20 Tournament
4. Monika Mal Highest Wicket-taker for Bengal in Women's U-19 One Day Tournament
5. Monika Mal Highest Wicket taker for Bengal in Women's U-19 T-20 Tournament

Men's Under-16

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Sachin Yadav Best Under-16 Cricketer of the year
2. Akash Tarafder Best Bowler Under-16 Years
3. Rajesh Mondal Highest Run getter for Bengal in Vijay Merchant Trophy
4. Akash Golder Highest wicket-taker for Bengal in Vijay Merchant trophy

Women's Under-15

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Sandipta Patra Best Under-15 Women's Cricketer of the Year
2. Sandipta Patra Highest Run Getter for Bengal in Women's Under-15 One Day Tournament
3. Debjani Das Highest Wicket-taker for Bengal in Women's U-15 One Day Tournament

Men's Under-19 Club League

Sl. Name of the Awardee Category
1. Sayan Paul Best Under-19 Cricketer in Club League

Next Article

Exclusive: 'Honoured' Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can't wait to bowl alongside Indian pacers in Duleep Trophy 2025

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has taken 60 wickets in the 12 first-class matches he has played so far in his career for Bengal. He was the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both seasons he has played.

Aug 2, 2025, 8:29 AM5 min read

Exclusive: 'Honoured' Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can't wait to bowl alongside Indian pacers in Duleep Trophy 2025 | sportzpoint.com

East Zone announced their squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 on Friday, featuring a bowling lineup reminiscent of an Indian team, including Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep. However, there is one Bengal pacer who made an entry into the squad after performing well in Ranji Trophy in last two seasons.

Bengal's medium pacer all-rounder Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has been named in the West Zone squad. Ishan Kishan will lead the side, whereas Abhimanyu Easwaran will be the vice-captain of the team. Right after his selection, Suraj shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

Suraj nearly left cricket in 2023

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal won the player of the match medalfor his 8-wicket haul against Assam in Ranji Trophy 2023-24. | sportzpoint.com
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal won the player of the match medalfor his 8-wicket haul against Assam in Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Image | CAB

There was one time when Suraj wanted to leave cricket and went into depression. Suraj had already lost his father, but his mother, brother and coach supported him immensely, and their belief turned into a result when he got selected for the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season after a great season with Calcutta Customs Club.

Since then, Suraj has been Bengal's highest wicket-taker in consecutive seasons and has taken 60 wickets in just 12 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 15.43. Suraj feels it is his consistency and process that have given him the results so far.

"Feeling very happy after the selection. These selections give you more confidence that I have been doing well. But, I will have to justify this with better performances," Suraj told Sportz Point.

Reflecting back on his journey, Suraj feels he is on the right track but needs to focus on the present without looking too far.

"You know that I was about to leave cricket. But, I have been able to go through that period and representing Bengal in Ranji Trophy was a dream. Now, when I am going into the next stages of Indian cricket, I need to focus on the things at hand and do what has worked well for me."

Read Also: Exclusive Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal: "Jumping out" from tough times to become Bengal's star of the season

"I am honoured"

Exclusive: 'Honoured' Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can't wait to bowl alongside Indian pacers in Duleep Trophy 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Suraj in the background as Shami delivered ball during MP vs Bengal Ranji Trophy match. Image | PTI via ESPN Cricinfo

It will not be new for Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal to bowl alongside Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep. In the 2024-25 season, Suraj bowled in tandem with India's one of best, Mohammed Shami. But getting selected for the East Zone team when all of these three bowlers are available makes it more special for him. 

"To be honest, I am honoured. Getting into a squad where all of them (Shami, Mukesh and Akash Deep) are there feels special. All of them have played for India, and I am just willing to learn as much as possible from them."

However, it is quite clear as well that with Shami, Mukesh and Akash Deep being there, it would be hard for Suraj to get a game. But for Suraj, he never thinks about selection before the match. For him, selection is never in his hands, and that's why he does not want to think about something which is not under his control.

"Even in Ranji Trophy, I do not think about selection. I try to focus on the preparation and getting ready for them. That has been my habit. So, in Duleep Trophy, I will just focus on my preparation," Suraj expressed.

Read Also: Exclusive Akash Pandey: Former Bengal U19 star is inspired by Sarfraz Khan's journey, takes 9/71 against Goa in Ranji Trophy

"Don't want to think too far"

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal bowling. | sportzpoint.com
Suraj in his bowling stride. Image | CAB

It was in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy where Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep made their names before getting that India cap. Is Suraj thinking about that too?

"No. I just want to keep doing what I have done well to get here," he answered.

"Yes, the dream is to get there (the Indian team). But I do not want to think too far and lose my focus. I trust in God and whatever he chooses for him. I just want to keep improving myself."

Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal scored his maiden first-class ton against Punjab at Eden Gardens. | sportzpoint.com
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal scored his maiden first-class ton against Punjab at Eden Gardens. Image | CAB

Apart from his bowling, Suraj last season proved himself with the bat as well. With his maiden first-class ton against Punjab in the last of the season, Suraj showed he is ready to be an all-rounder as well. By the way, he also took 8 wickets in that match.

"It is about contributing to the team, with bat, ball or fielding. Helping the team is the main goal. Yes, I have been working on my batting as well. So, feels good to have a first-class ton beside my name, but I need to keep improving.

Read Also: Fast, accurate and fearless: Nuruddin Mondal bowling bouncer to life every day | Bengal Cricket Exclusive

East Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2025

Ishan Kishan (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sandeep Pattnaik, Virat Singh, Denish Das, Sridam Paul, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Riyan Parag, Utkarsh Singh, Manishi, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami.

Stand bys: Mukhtar Hussain, Aasirwad Swain, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Swastik Samal, Sudip Kr Gharami, Rahul Singh.

Duleep Trophy 2025 Schedule

Match Date Venue
Quarterfinal 1 (North Zone vs East Zone) August 28–31 Centre of Excellence
Quarterfinal 2 (Central Zone vs North-East Zone) August 28–31 Centre of Excellence
Semifinal 1 September 4–7 Centre of Excellence
Semifinal 2 September 4–7 Centre of Excellence
Final September 11–14 Centre of Excellence

Next Article

Duleep Trophy: Shardul Thakur to lead the West Zone; no Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad

BCCI has announced the schedule for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 which begins on August 28 in Bengaluru.

Aug 1, 2025, 11:05 AM3 min read

Duleep Trophy: Shardul Thakur to lead the West Zone; no Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad

BCCI has announced the schedule for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 which begins on August 28 in Bengaluru. After this, the announcement of the names of team captains has also started. This time also, like the old format, teams from four zones will participate in it. Now, as per the latest developments, the squad of West Zone has been announced.

While Shardul Thakur has been made the new captain of the team, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have not found a place in the team.

Also Read: Sachin-Sourav, Mahela-Sanga: 5 best cricketing friendships in history

Shreyas and Jaiswal will play under Shardul's captaincy

The West Zone team has been announced for the Duleep Trophy. This time the captaincy has been handed over to Shardul Thakur. Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be seen playing under the captaincy of Shardul Thakur. Apart from this, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tushar Deshpande have also been included in the team.  

However, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, who have been playing continuously for this team, are not seen in the squad this time.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane last played a Test match for India in 2023. Pujara played a crucial role in India’s Test series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Notably, Rahane captained Team India to a memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in 2020-21 despite several key players being unavailable.

Shreyas Iyer set to available for West Zone

Shreyas Iyer had made himself available for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The middle-order batter has played 14 Test matches for India. However, he has not been part of the Test setup since February 2024, when he last featured against England.

Iyer was a key figure in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign in Dubai earlier this year. He also scored 480 runs in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy at an average of 68.57, including two centuries. He continued his form into the IPL, where he led Punjab Kings to their first final in over a decade.

Also Read: ICC Rankings: Abhishek Sharma becomes No.1 T20I batter, Gill and Hardik at top in ODI, Bumrah in tests

Duleep Trophy | West Zone squad

Shardul Thakur (Capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Aarya Desai, Harvik Desai (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jaymeet Patel, Manan Hingrajia, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Dharmendra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Arzan Nagwaswala.

Duleep Trophy 2025 full schedule

According to Cricbuzz, South Zone and West Zone have been handed direct qualification into the Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinals. And the two quarterfinals are already set.

Match Date Venue
Quarterfinal 1
(North Zone vs East Zone)
August 28-31 Centre of Excellence
Quarterfinal 2
(Central Zone vs North-East Zone)
August 28-31 Centre of Excellence
Semifinal 1 September 4-7 Centre of Excellence
Semifinal 2 September 4-7 Centre of Excellence
Final September 11-14 Centre of Excellence

Next Article

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter

Get the latest sports updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.