'Something which changed in me': Ishan Kishan reveals his success mantra after East Zone's Duleep Trophy title triumph

Ishan Kishan has revealed what helped his performance reach a record-breaking level to power East Zone to the Duleep Trophy title after 13 years. Kishan produced a record-breaking performance in the tournament, amassing 350 runs across both innings to guide East Zone to the title against South Zone in Chennai on Thursday.

The East Zone captain scored a monumental 270 in the first innings before adding a brisk 80 in the second, finishing with the highest individual aggregate in the history of the competition. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award. Meanwhile, the star of the tournament revealed what helped him and powered him to perform at this level.

Ishan Kishan reveals success mantra after East Zone's Duleep Trophy title win

In a post-match conversation, Kishan revealed that “everyone was taking care of each other” with himself being “a good leader.”

Kishan added:

“I think it was more about, you know, just being more calm after the break (the time when he was not selected for the Indian team), being more into the game, knowing what's important, how aware you are towards the game and how you are reading the situation.”

Kishan added that while everyone tried to help each other, it helped him transform better. Kishan added:

“I've been more calm, more aware of situations and, you know, more hunger is there. You want to perform for your team.”

The East Zone captain further said:

“You need to make your team win, and that is something which changed in me. Hundred percent, that is going to be there (On being that cheeky guy) till I turn ninety.”

East Zone declared at 708 and later 388 for 7, while South Zone managed only 336. The first-innings lead proved decisive as the match ended in a draw, handing East Zone their first Duleep Trophy since the 2012-13 season.

Kishan's dominant display underlined his form with the bat and played a central role in ending East Zone’s 13-year title drought. He also became the only second captain in the history of the team to record a double century.

ALSO READ: Batter yet to make WPL debut picked as Jemimah Rodrigues' replacement for Asian Games 2026 squad