Arshdeep Singh to Lead Pace Attack as Wadhawan Named North Zone Captain

The North Zone selectors have named Jammu and Kashmir wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan as captain for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, with India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh returning to lead the pace attack in a 15-member squad. The team features a blend of experienced domestic performers and emerging talents from across the northern states. The tournament, which serves as a key platform for players aiming to break into the national side, is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru.

Arshdeep Singh's inclusion is among the biggest highlights of the squad. The left-arm pacer has established himself as a regular in India's white-ball teams and was part of the Test squad during the 2025 tour of England. However, he was unable to make his Test debut because of injury concerns and team combination decisions. Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj, another player who has been on the fringes of the national Test squad, has also been selected to strengthen the North Zone bowling attack.

Fresh from Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy triumph, the state has earned the highest representation in the squad with six players. Besides captain Kanhaiya Wadhawan, opener Qamran Iqbal, all-rounder Abdul Samad, left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq, pacer Sunil Kumar and fast bowler Yudhvir Singh have all been rewarded for their performances during the domestic season. Their inclusion reflects the selectors' recognition of Jammu and Kashmir's successful Ranji Trophy campaign.

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Delhi has the second-highest representation in the team, with opener Sanat Sangwan, former captain Yash Dhull, middle-order batter Ayush Doseja and Ayush Badoni earning selection. Badoni has also been appointed vice-captain, highlighting his growing stature in domestic cricket. Veteran Jammu and Kashmir batter Paras Dogra has been left out as the Duleep Trophy continues to focus on providing opportunities to players with aspirations of representing India at the highest level.

The squad also includes India A regular Nishant Sindhu, all-rounder Arjun Sharma and spinner Abid Mushtaq, providing balance in the spin and all-round departments. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi was unavailable for selection because of national team commitments. The combination of established performers and emerging cricketers gives North Zone a well-rounded squad capable of competing strongly in the tournament.

North Zone will begin its campaign against West Zone in Match 2 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru, with a place in the semi-finals at stake. Central Zone enter the competition as defending champions after winning the 2025-26 edition under Rajat Patidar, who finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer. The North Zone squad comprises Kanhaiya Wadhawan (Captain), Ayush Badoni (Vice-Captain), Sanat Sangwan, Qamran Iqbal, Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja, Abdul Samad, Nishant Sindhu, Arjun Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Arshdeep Singh, Sunil Kumar, Anshul Kamboj, Yudhvir Singh and Nikhil Kashyap.

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