Ishan Kishan - (Source: X)On Thursday, September 10, Ishan Kishan-led East Zone beat South Zone to end their 14-year-long drought and clinch the 3rd Duleep Trophy title. It was an exciting and enthralling 18 days of cricket with six teams taking part.East Zone saw stars like Ishan Kishan, Kumar Kushagra, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi perform, but the teams that failed to clinch the silverware also had players who took the tournament by storm. The recently concluded edition of Duleep Trophy also served as an audition ground for the upcoming New Zealand series.Therefore, this article will shed light on Duleep Trophy performers who have a realistic chance to enter India Test squad vs New Zealand.1. Ishan KishanIshan Kishan has had a great edition. The southpaw led East Zone to their 3rd title and ended the tournament as the leading run-getter. The southpaw scored 409 runs in 5 innings. He scored a double century in the 1st innings of the final and missed out on another century by 20 runs in the 2nd innings.Interestingly, the left-handed batter marked a return to India’s T20I setup following an excellent SMAT. By the same logic, Ishan Kishan’s Duleep Trophy stats are certain to leave a mark on selectors and the Ajit Agarkar-led committee to consider him for Tests.The 28-year-old last played a Test for India in 2023 against West Indies, which was his debut series. Notably, Kishan, in two Tests, has 78 runs to his name, including a fifty. He was soon removed from the team and never got the opportunity to represent India in whites again.2. Tilak VarmaTilak Varma also had a brilliant Duleep Trophy. He scored 266 runs in 3 innings. The South Zone captain slammed a century and two fifty-plus scores. Varma got out just once in the entire tournament, which was on Day 4 of the final and that too on 99. He averaged 266. There were reports of Tilak being in the scheme of things for Tests, and he is hard to ignore. Notably, Tilak loves to bat under pressure and does not throw his wicket away. India need such players who build their innings and fight for every run.Also Read: Why Were East Zone Declared Duleep Trophy Winner Despite Drawn Final Vs South Zone?In the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, there were several instances when South Zone were down and out, but Tilak resurrected the innings and built a partnership. Therefore, he too has a strong chance of getting picked for the New Zealand series.Talking about Tilak’s first-class numbers, he has 1828 in 35 innings, averaging 57 with the bat.3. Mukesh KumarMukesh Kumar also had a brilliant season, picking up 12 wickets in just 5 innings. The right-arm seamer averaged 14.91 and is making a serious case for his India return. Mukesh made his Test debut for India in July 2023.The 32-year-old played just 3 Tests for India, and seven wickets later, he was shown the door by Indian selectors. However, Kumar has been impressive throughout in domestic cricket. The right-arm seamer has played 109 first-class matches, picking up 233 wickets, averaging 21. 79. Talking about some recent performances, then Mukesh Kumar took 11 wickets in 8 innings in the Ranji Trophy. 4. Anshul KambojAnshul Kamboj is another Indian star auditioning for his return. The right-arm seamer had a brilliant Duleep Trophy with the bat and ball. Kamboj took 5 wickets in four innings and scored 120 runs with the bat as well. Notably, Kamboj’s only Test for India was against England in the 2025 Test series, but he was dropped from the team because of his lack of pace. Now, Kamboj has been doing really well and has a chance to regain his place in the Indian set-up.Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Achieves What Sourav Ganguly And MS Dhoni Couldn't In Duleep Trophy
