Top 3 Young Stars of Duleep Trophy 2026

East Zone won the Duleep Trophy 2026, defeating South Zone in the final on the basis of a first-innings lead. The tournament, which concluded with the final held at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, from September 6 to 10, 2026, produced several standout performances from young players across the competing sides.

Among those who caught the eye, three youngsters stood out for their contributions with the bat. Two of them were central to East Zone’s title-winning campaign, while a third made a strong case for wider recognition through consistent performances across the tournament.

Here are the top 3 youngsters who impressed the most in Duleep Trophy 2026:

3. Kumar Kushagra

Kumar Kushagra, a wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand playing for East Zone, was one of the most consistent performers in the Duleep Trophy 2026. He accumulated 224 runs in five innings at an average of 44.80, including a half-century and a century in the final against South Zone. He ended as the third-highest run-getter of the tournament.

Kushagra is noted for his counterattacking knocks from the lower-middle order and his dynamic strokeplay against the second new ball. His century in the final proved particularly valuable as East Zone secured the title on the basis of a first-innings lead. His performances across the tournament reinforced his standing as one of the sharpest young wicketkeeping prospects in Indian domestic cricket.