Bhubaneswar, Aug. 2 -- https://images.odishatv.in/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1753354355.jpg

Sandeep Patnaik is the only cricketer from Odisha selected in the East Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, set to begin on August 28 in Bengaluru.

Aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has been named as the captain of the team. Joining him in the leadership group is Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who takes the role of vice-captain.

In a notable boost, India pacer Mohammed Shami returns to domestic red-ball cricket after a long layoff, having been named in the squad. The veteran India pacer is set to return to first-class cricket for the first time in over a year, having last bowled a red ball in early 2024.

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