Shikhar Mohan delivered an impressive performance on his Duleep Trophy debut, scoring 85 runs for East Zone in their match against South Zone during the 2026/27 final. The Jharkhand batter, who joined the squad as a replacement for teammate Virat Singh, played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings after early setbacks. Mohan shared a productive 94-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Ishan Kishan, helping East Zone establish control on the opening day of play.
Following the day’s play, Mohan attributed much of his success to Kishan’s mentorship during their time at the crease. The young batsman expressed gratitude for his captain’s constant guidance regarding shot selection and field positioning. Kishan finished the day unbeaten on 111, while Kumar Kushagra contributed 63 not out as East Zone accumulated 385 runs for the loss of four wickets across 79 overs.
Mohan’s selection reflected his exceptional first season in domestic cricket, where he accumulated 613 runs at an average of 55.72 in the Ranji Trophy. Though primarily an opener, he adapted seamlessly to batting at number three. His experience in T20 cricket also proved valuable when facing South Zone’s aggressive short-ball strategy, which included five fielders positioned on the leg side. Though eventually dismissed after an inside edge off a bouncer, Mohan demonstrated the composure and resilience that marked his emergence as a promising talent in Indian cricket.
