Nagaland trio in North-East Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2026-27
Synopsis
Three Nagaland cricketers have broken into the North-East Zone's 15-member Duleep Trophy squad — a first-class stage where careers are made. With the preparatory camp also being hosted by the Nagaland Cricket Association, this is more than a selection story: it signals the North-East's quiet but steady rise as a cricketing force in Indian domestic cricket.
Key Takeaways
Jonathan Rongsen , Imliwati Lemtur , and Vino G.
Zhimomi from Nagaland selected in the North-East Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2026-27 .
Hem Bahadur Chetri named as standby player; Mowalong Kichu appointed as the zone's physiotherapist.
The Duleep Trophy runs from 23 August to 10 September at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru .
Pre-tournament camp to be held in Nagaland from 8 to 19 August , hosted by the Nagaland Cricket Association .
The full squad has 15 members , with Nagaland accounting for 3 main-squad and 1 standby berth.
Three cricketers from Nagaland — Jonathan Rongsen, Imliwati Lemtur, and Vino G. Zhimomi — have earned selection in the North-East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026-27, while Hem Bahadur Chetri has been named as a standby player. The Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) also confirmed the appointment of Mowalong Kichu, the state team's physiotherapist, in the same role for the North-East Zone setup.
Tournament Details
The Duleep Trophy 2026-27 is scheduled from 23 August to 10 September at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The tournament is one of India's premier domestic first-class competitions and serves as a key platform for players to stake their claim at higher levels.
Pre-Tournament Camp in Nagaland
In a notable development, the Nagaland Cricket Association will host the North-East Zone's pre-tournament preparatory camp from 8 to 19 August. The camp is designed to give the squad competitive match practice ahead of the tournament, with the region's top players aiming to make a strong impression on the national stage.
Full Squad
The 15-member North-East Zone squad comprises Techi Neri, Robin Limboo, Ashish Thapa, Bishworjit Singh Konthoujam, Priyojit K, Ronald Meitei, Jotin Singh Pheiroijam, Imliwati Lemtur, Vino G. Zhimomi, Jonathan Rongsen, Kishan Lyndoh, Arpit Subhas, Akash Kumar Choudhary, Joseph Lal Thankhuma, and Lalrempuia.
NCA's Reaction
The Nagaland Cricket Association extended its congratulations to all those selected, stating: 'We would like to congratulate Jonathan Rongsen, Imliwati Lemtur, Vino G. Zhimomi, Hem Bahadur Chetri and Mowalong Kichu on their selection and appointment, and we are also giving our best wishes to the whole North East Zone squad for a successful campaign in the Duleep Trophy 2026–27.'
Growing Cricketing Footprint
The selection of three Nagaland players in the main squad — with a fourth among the standbys — reflects the state's rising contribution to cricket in the North-East. This is a region historically underrepresented in domestic cricket's top tier, and the growing pipeline of talent signals a structural shift in how the BCCI's associate states are developing competitive players. With the preparatory camp also being held on home soil, the NCA is positioning itself as an increasingly active stakeholder in zonal cricket.
Point of View
With infrastructure gaps and limited first-class exposure keeping players off the national radar. The NCA hosting the preparatory camp adds operational credibility to the selection. The real test will be whether these players get consistent first-class minutes during the tournament, not just squad berths — because selection without game time changes little in the long run.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nagaland players have been selected for the North-East Zone Duleep Trophy 2026-27 squad?
Jonathan Rongsen, Imliwati Lemtur, and Vino G. Zhimomi have been selected in the main 15-member North-East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026-27. Hem Bahadur Chetri has been named as a standby player.
When and where is the Duleep Trophy 2026-27 being held?
The Duleep Trophy 2026-27 is scheduled from 23 August to 10 September at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Where will the North-East Zone's pre-tournament camp be held?
The Nagaland Cricket Association will host the North-East Zone's preparatory camp from 8 to 19 August, giving the squad match practice before the tournament begins.
Who is the physiotherapist for the North-East Zone squad?
Mowalong Kichu, who serves as physiotherapist for Nagaland's senior men's team, has been appointed as physiotherapist for the North-East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026-27.
What is the significance of Nagaland's representation in the Duleep Trophy squad?
Having three players in the main squad and one standby from Nagaland highlights the state's growing contribution to North-East cricket. It reflects a broader rise of associate BCCI states in domestic first-class competition, a trend that has been building steadily over recent seasons.
