Akash Deep, a fast bowler for India, will not be available for selection, which is a blow to East Zone ahead of their campaign.
Although the precise form of the pacer’s niggle or ailment is still unknown, rest has been recommended. Before a return date is set, his fitness will be evaluated later.
During India’s recent Test tour of England, Akash made an impression with both bat and ball. He returned for the final at The Oval after missing the fourth Test in Manchester due to a back ache. In the second innings of the fifth and final Test at the Oval, he scored his first half-century as a nightwatcher, capping off an incredible series performance. He contributed significantly to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, taking 13 wickets in three games, including a game-winning ten-wicket haul at Egdbaston.
Assam pacer Mukhtar Hussain has been added to the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led team since Akash is not available. Aashirwad Swain took Ishan Kishan’s place as the team’s new batsman and wicketkeeper. Kishan will have additional testing at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as he continues to heal from his fitness concerns. Kumar Kushagra, a young wicketkeeper from Jharkhand, is anticipated to replace him as the starting wicketkeeper.
As East Zone gets ready to play Shubman Gill’s North Zone in the quarterfinals beginning on August 28, Easwaran has been given the captaincy. The CoE in the outskirts of Bengaluru will host all of the competition’s games.
Riyan Parag, an all-rounder for Assam, has been appointed vice-captain. Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, two seasoned India internationals, are also included in the team. Shami has only participated in one first-class game in the last two years, but his experience might be very helpful.