Agartala, Aug 22: Tripura’s young cricketer Sridam Paul is set to join the East Zone team for the Duleep Trophy, scheduled to begin in Bengaluru on August 28. The East Zone side will open their campaign against North Zone. Adding to the state’s pride, Manish Ghosh has been appointed manager of the squad.
Confirming the schedule, Sridam said the East Zone players have been asked to report in Bengaluru on August 25. The team will be captained by India international Ishan Kishan.
A promising right-handed batsman from Tripura, Sridam has been training intensely ahead of the tournament. Speaking after a practice session at MBB Stadium on Friday, he said, “If I get an opportunity in the playing XI, I will give my hundred percent. My preparations are entirely focused on that.”
The 23-year-old hails from Bamutia Berimura in Mohanpur subdivision and dreams of leaving a mark with the bat on Bengaluru’s pitches. The only son of businessman Tapan Paul and homemaker Shikha Paul, Sridam has emerged as a source of immense pride for his locality.
Local cricket enthusiasts are optimistic that his aggressive batting style will challenge rival bowlers. Recently, the Champamura Cricket Coaching Centre felicitated Sridam for his selection, where he expressed gratitude and pledged to put forth his best performance.
The East Zone squad comprises: Ishan Kishan (captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran (vice-captain), Sandeep Pattanaik, Virat Singh, Danish Das, Sridam Paul, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Riyan Parag, Utkarsh Singh, Manishi, Suraj Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Mohammad Shami.
It is worth noting that last year, Tripura’s all-rounder Manishankar Murasingh also represented East Zone in the same tournament.
Meanwhile, in another proud moment for the state, Manish Ghosh has been named the manager of the East Zone side for this edition of the Duleep Trophy. Ghosh, who will be reporting to Bengaluru on August 25, said, “I will try my best to carry out the responsibility entrusted to me.”
This will be Ghosh’s maiden assignment as East Zone manager. The Tripura Cricket Association has extended congratulations and wished him success in his new role.
