Ishan Kishan’s rebuild ends East Zone’s long Duleep Trophy wait
The Player of the Match award followed a period of change that former teammate and coach Ishank Jaggi described as a turning point in Kishan’s career.
Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match as East Zone won the Duleep Trophy, ending the region’s nearly 14-year wait for the title.
The result also carried personal significance for Ishank Jaggi, who received the same award when East Zone last won the competition. Jaggi, a former teammate and later coach and mentor to Kishan, has known the batter since he was about 16.
Speaking to Yahoo Sports, Jaggi said Kishan had developed from an aggressive young batter into a more mature all-format cricketer. He attributed the change to greater experience and maturity, while saying Kishan’s fighting spirit and hunger had remained constant.
Jaggi identified Kishan’s setbacks in 2024, including losing his place in the India side and his BCCI central contract, as a turning point. He said Kishan responded by working on his batting, fitness, nutrition, preparation and understanding of his own game.
The most significant adjustment, according to Jaggi, has been Kishan’s ability to manage his aggression. He said the batter had become better at building an innings and adapting his approach to the team’s requirements.
Jaggi also said Kishan’s stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad brought greater responsibility, including serving as stand-in captain when Pat Cummins was absent. The Duleep Trophy award now provides a visible marker of East Zone’s return to the top of the competition.
