In the quarter-finals of Duleep Trophy 2026, East Zone, captained by Ishan Kishan, defeated North East Zone by an innings and 210 runs to reach the semi-finals. In this match, East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi could score only 8 runs with the bat, but he performed brilliantly in bowling.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Bowling: Indian cricket's young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi also showed his talent with the ball in the Duleep Trophy 2026 match. Vaibhav took two important wickets in the match played between East Zone and North East Zone. His performance with the bat was not as expected and he was out after scoring only 8 runs, but his contribution in bowling played an important role in the team's big win.
After the match was over, Vaibhav made an interesting revelation about his bowling. He told that when the wickets of the opposition team were not falling, he got a chance to bowl a few overs. According to Vaibhav, team captain Ishan Kishan felt that handing him the ball could be a kind of risk, but the young player converted this opportunity into a wicket.
'He didn't know I was a wicket taker'
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Vaibhav Suryavanshi explained his bowling strategy. Vaibhav said that at one time the batsmen of North East Zone were well placed and were not getting wickets. During this time he was asked to bowl 2-3 overs.
The young cricketer humorously told that Ishan Kishan felt that perhaps a risk was being taken by giving him the ball. Vaibhav said that the team captain did not know that he was a 'wicket taker'.
There was only one thing in his mind at that time that even if he got a chance to take five wickets, he might get only three overs. Therefore, he focused on bowling aggressively with the right line and length in these limited overs.
Took advantage of the opportunity in 3 overs
Vaibhav told that in all the overs he got, his aim was to keep the batsmen under constant pressure. He got the advantage of bowling with the right line and length in the form of wickets. Vaibhav looked very excited after taking two wickets. He said that his performance in batting was not good in this match, so contributing to the team with the ball was a special experience for him.
He believes that taking wickets gives a different kind of happiness for a batsman. Similarly, bowlers also enjoy batting. Vaibhav said that both the roles in cricket have their own thrill.
Vaibhav's bat did not hit the bat
In this Duleep Trophy match, a big innings in batting was expected from Vaibhav, but he got out after scoring only 8 runs. However, after getting out early in batting, he did not lose the opportunity to prove himself in bowling. By taking two wickets, he showed that he can also contribute with the ball for the team if needed. His performance is also in discussion because Vaibhav is continuously showing his ability on the big stage of domestic cricket at a very young age.
East Zone registered a big victory
East Zone defeated North East Zone by an innings and 210 runs to book their place in the semi-finals of Duleep Trophy 2026. Apart from Vaibhav, many players made important contributions to the team. In the match, East Zone maintained pressure from the beginning and the bowlers did not allow North East Zone's batting to last long. With this big win, East Zone has entered the next stage of the tournament.
Semi-finals will start from August 30
The semi-final matches of Duleep Trophy 2026 will be played from August 30 at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. East Zone will face Central Zone in the first semi-final. In the second semi-final, South Zone and North Zone will face each other. Once again all eyes will be on Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the semi-final match of East Zone. Vaibhav, who scored only 8 runs with the bat in the quarter-finals, will now try to take the team to the finals by playing a big innings in the next match.