Shock Exit! Akash Deep Out of Duleep Trophy 2025 | Who Will Replace Him?

Akash Deep Ruled Out of Duleep Trophy 2025, Mukhtar Hussain In for East Zone

Akash Deep, the Indian fast bowler, who recently starred in the Test series in England, has been ruled out of playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025, which takes place in Bengaluru from August 28. Mukhtar Hussain, the medium pacer from Assam, has replaced the 28-year-old pacer, who was named in the 15-member squad.

The news was announced on social media platform X by PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar:

“Some #CricketTwitter news Akash Deep will not be playing #duleeptrophy. Whether he has been advised rest by CoE not clear. East Zone selection committee has picked Assam’s medium pacer Mukhtar Hussain. @BCCI @BCCIdomestic”

Why Akash Deep’s Absence Is a Big Deal for East Zone

Akash Deep was set to spearhead East Zone’s fast bowling unit with Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Suraj Jaiswal. He’s been on a roll in red-ball cricket lately, grabbing ten wickets in India’s big 336-run victory at Birmingham. Plus, he showed some guts with a half-century as a nightwatchman in the Oval Test.

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The official reason for his absence is still unknown. It could be anything from needing a rest to avoiding injuries or managing his workload. Whatever the cause, East Zone will definitely miss his aggressive style and talent for taking wickets.

Mukhtar Hussain – A New Name to Watch

Mukhtar Hussain has been doing a great job playing cricket in Assam, and now he gets his chance in a high-profile zonal competition. Known for his sharp aim and swing, he might fill a big gap in the game held in Bengaluru, where these skills can really help.

The team will have India’s wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as the leader, with the experienced Abhimanyu Easwaran from Bengal as his vice-captain. Easwaran has nearly made it to the big team of India and offers a lot of game know-how. He is set to be a star player when his team is up to bat.

Duleep Trophy 2025 – Tournament Format

The Duleep Trophy returns to the traditional six-team zonal format as part of the start of the domestic cricket season 2025/26. East Zone will meet North Zone in the quarter-final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground. The winner of that match will face South Zone in the semi-final.

East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2025

• Ishan Kishan (c) – Jharkhand
• Abhimanyu Easwaran (vc) – Bengal
• Sandeep Pattnaik – Odisha
• Virat Singh – Jharkhand
• Denish Das – Assam
• Sridam Paul – Tripura
• Sharandeep Singh – Jharkhand
• Kumar Kushagra – Jharkhand
• Riyan Parag – Assam
• Utkarsh Singh – Jharkhand
• Manishi – Jharkhand
• Suraj Jaiswal – Bengal
• Mukesh Kumar – Bengal
• Mukhtar Hussain – Assam (replacing Akash Deep)
• Mohammed Shami – Bengal

Losing Akash Deep is a tough break for East Zone, but it means Mukhtar Hussain gets a chance to step up. Even with that, and Ishan Kishan leading the way, plus experienced guys like Mohammed Shami and some hungry younger players, East Zone still has a good shot at the Duleep Trophy in 2025.