M’laya Trio Gains Valuable Experience in Duleep Trophy Match

Shillong, India Aug 26, 2026 ALN: Kishan Lyngdoh, Akash K Choudhary, and Arpit Bhatewara represented the North East Zone in their Duleep Trophy match against East Zone in Bengaluru, gaining significant first-class exposure despite suffering an innings and 210-run defeat. This match not only served as a platform for these young cricketers to showcase their skills but also highlighted the competitive nature of the Duleep Trophy, which is one of the premier domestic cricket tournaments in India.

The Duleep Trophy, established in 1961, is named after the former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Duleepsinhji. It features regional teams, allowing players from different parts of the country to compete against each other. The tournament has historically been a breeding ground for talent, with many players who have gone on to represent India at the international level having honed their skills in this competition. The format of the tournament often includes teams from various zones, which adds to the regional pride and competitiveness.

In this particular match, Akash K Choudhary made a notable impact with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 102 runs in 26 overs after opening the bowling. His performance is a testament to his potential as a fast bowler, especially considering he was up against a formidable batting lineup that included prominent players such as Mohammed Shami and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Shami, known for his pace and ability to swing the ball, is a seasoned international cricketer, and facing such experienced opponents provides valuable lessons for emerging players like Akash.

In addition to his bowling, Akash also contributed with the bat, scoring a valuable 27 runs while batting at No. 10. This contribution is significant as it reflects his ability to support the lower order, a crucial aspect of any team's batting strategy. Lower-order batsmen often play a vital role in adding runs and can change the course of a match, especially when the top order fails to deliver.

Arpit Bhatewara, who opened the innings, scored 32 runs, hitting four boundaries, and took a catch as the wicketkeeper. His performance as an opener is particularly important, as setting a solid foundation is crucial in the longer format of the game. Openers are tasked with negotiating the new ball and building partnerships, and Arpit's ability to score runs under pressure is a positive sign for his development as a cricketer.

Kishan Lyngdoh managed to score 9 runs in the first innings and 25 in the second. While his scores may not stand out, the experience of facing quality bowlers in a first-class match is invaluable. Every innings provides learning opportunities, and for Kishan, this match was a chance to understand the nuances of batting at a higher level.

East Zone, featuring a formidable total of 467 runs, demonstrated their batting prowess. The North East Zone, in response, was dismissed for 111 and 146 runs, resulting in a comprehensive victory for the East Zone. This stark contrast in performance underlines the challenges faced by the North East Zone players, who are still in the process of gaining experience and exposure in high-pressure situations.

The Duleep Trophy is known for showcasing emerging talent, and the participation of these players from the North East highlights the growing cricketing potential in the region. Historically, cricket in the North East has faced challenges in terms of infrastructure and exposure compared to other regions of India. However, the increasing recognition and support for cricket in states like , Assam, and others are paving the way for a new generation of cricketers.

Cricket in the North East has been gaining traction, with more state-level tournaments and academies being established to nurture young talent. The involvement of players like Kishan, Akash, and Arpit in the Duleep Trophy is a significant step towards putting the region on the cricketing map. Their performance, despite the defeat, is expected to contribute positively to their development as cricketers and inspire other young players in the region to pursue the sport seriously.

In conclusion, while the North East Zone faced a tough match against the East Zone, the experience gained by Kishan Lyngdoh, Akash K Choudhary, and Arpit Bhatewara is invaluable. The Duleep Trophy not only serves as a competitive platform but also plays a crucial role in the development of cricketing talent across India. As these young players continue to learn and grow from such experiences, they carry the hopes of their region and the potential to contribute to Indian cricket in the future.