Ishan Kishan’s leadership, bonding and youthful fearlessness: How East Zone ended exile-like wait for Duleep Trophy triumph

KOLKATA: When Ratan Kumar looks back at East Zone’s Duleep Trophy triumph, he does not point first to tactics, star players or match-winning performances. Instead, the coach credits something less tangible but equally decisive: a dressing-room culture built on trust, freedom and camaraderie.The title ended East Zone’s nearly 14-year wait for the prestigious trophy, and according to Kumar, it was the team’s unity that formed the foundation of the successful campaign.“The biggest thing was managing a group of top athletes from different states. When players come after performing internationally and for their respective states, coaching is not about telling them too much. It is about giving them the right environment and preparation so that their desire to perform increases,” Kumar told STOI on Saturday.Having internationals such as Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Ishan Kishan, alongside a host of young domestic cricketers, could easily have created divisions within the squad. Instead, Kumar said the group quickly developed a culture where every player felt comfortable expressing himself.“My first work, whether with Jharkhand or East Zone, is to create a culture where everyone can speak openly, where seniors and juniors share the same space, and where everyone feels valued,” he said.The coach revealed that the strong bonding within the squad became visible both on and off the field, with players from different states naturally mixing during the tournament.“You would see Jharkhand players sitting with Bengal players; Subhranshu Senapati, who is the Odisha captain (though he did not get a game), sitting with others and contributing to the team as part of the leadership group. It didn’t feel like they belonged to different teams. That atmosphere was very important. Teams win when they play cricket in a good environment.”A key figure in nurturing that atmosphere was skipper Ishan Kishan, whose leadership earned glowing praise from the coach.“Ishan’s understanding of the game is very deep. When you discuss something with him, you don’t need to think too much as a coach. He reads situations quickly, plans accordingly and communicates clearly with players,” Kumar said.While Kishan is often seen laughing and joking – and dancing, too, after the final – with teammates, Kumar said the wicketkeeper-batter possesses a sharp cricketing mind and an ability to stay composed in pressure situations.“He may look relaxed from the outside, but he has a very clear process. He responds to situations rather than reacting to them. He is an honest captain, his communication with players is excellent and that made my work much easier.”Kumar also singled out East Zone selectors and team management’s collective willingness to trust young players, a move that paid rich dividends. Players like Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Md Kounain Quraishi flourished after being given responsibility and freedom alongside senior pros like Anukul Roy and Virat Singh.While Jharkhand captain Singh made way for Mohan in the final, Quraishi came into the squad only after experienced Bengal spinning all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmad was left out with a niggle during their quarterfinal win against North East Zone.“What we wanted was that every youngster should get the opportunity to express himself. If someone got out after playing positively, nobody would make it a big issue. We wanted them to feel this was their stage,” says Kumar, who has once shared domestic dressing room with Mahendra Singh Dhoni.Among those youngsters, Kumar reserved special praise for Jharkhand’s emerging core, which increasingly shaped the team’s batting during the campaign.“Kushagra is a very elegant player. His technique is sound and he adapts well to every format. He is growing continuously and has the potential to play for India,” the former Bihar first-class cricketer said.The coach also highlighted the impact of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing him as a rare cricketing talent whose fearlessness and understanding of the game stand out despite his age and someone who can change the dynamics of batting in red-ball cricket.For Kumar, East Zone’s title-winning run ultimately represented the perfect blend of experience and youth, guided by a captain who led from the front and sustained by a culture where every player felt empowered.“This championship had been awaited for a long time. We had a very good team this time, but more importantly, we had a very good atmosphere. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to coach such a group,” said Kumar.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.