3 Duleep Trophy finalists who could make a Test comeback for India ft. Ishan Kishan
(Courtesy : BCCI Domestic/X.com)
Ishan Kishan strengthened his case for a India red-ball comeback with a double-century in Duleep Trophy final.
The Duleep Trophy has once again provided a valuable platform for India’s most established stars and emerging talents to make their case stronger for higher honours. With the domestic red-ball competition including several experienced players, performances in the final could have a significant effect on their case for their future with the Indian Test side.
The 2026 final between East Zone and South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai also featured several such players who are contending to make a comeback to the Indian red-ball side. Unlike young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or Tilak Varma, these players are experienced stars who have played in the Indian Test setup before.
Among them are three names who have particularly strong chances to make a comeback due to their overwhelming performance in domestic cricket and relentless hardwork.
3 Indian players players likely to make a comeback in Test team after Duleep Trophy 2026
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3. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami, the veteran Indian pacer, remains one of India’s most experienced pacers in the history of modern-day red-ball cricket. The 36-year-old fast bowler last played a Test for India back in the 2023-24 season and has since then been either managing injuries or working hard to make his way back through domestic cricket.
His recent red-ball stint provides particular encouragement. In the Ranji season of 2025-26, he picked 37 wickets across 7 matches, with the career-best figures of 8/90. He also helped East Zone qualify for the Duleep Trophy final with five wickets in the Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-final clash against Central Zone.
He played his 100th first-class match for Bengal during the Duleep Trophy 2026 final. His experience of overseas conditions and a substantial Test record, added to his proven domestic workload, make Shami’s comeback a firm possibility.
2. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan has arguably made the strongest statement in the Duleep Trophy final. The East Zone skipper produced an unbeaten century on Day 1 of the final and then returned to strengthen his case further with a double century on Day 2. The knock from Ishan Kishan will be remembered in Duleep Trophy history, as the batter scored an unbeaten 250 with 27 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of over 80.
Kishan’s Test debut and his last Test played for India came in the same series back in 2023 against the West Indies. However, his chances for a return will not be easy due to the presence of players like Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel in the Indian team.
1. Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran continues to be one of the most consistent domestic performers in Indian domestic cricket. He remains a strong candidate whenever the selectors need additional options at the top of the order.
The Bengal batter opened the innings and, alongside youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, produced a promising century partnership for the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final. With several half-centuries, he produced another significant campaign in the Duleep Trophy season. He scored 72 runs from 86 balls in the first innings of the final match against South Zone.
Easwaran was picked by the Indian team on former occasions but has yet to play a single international game. Abhimanyu Easwaran could also emerge as a potential answer to India’s concerns around Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form in red-ball cricket.
Did Ishan Kishan score a triple century in the Duleep Trophy final?
No, Ishan Kishan did not score a triple century; he scored a double century (250* and retiring hurt due to cramps) playing for East Zone against South Zone.
Will Ishan Kishan return to bat for East Zone in the final?
Yes, Ishan Kishan is allowed to return and resume his innings because he was recorded as retired hurt, however, there has been no official confirmation on his return.
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