Duleep Trophy 2025: Big Names, Bigger Comebacks!

The Duleep Trophy, India’s storied domestic red-ball competition, returns to its traditional zonal format from August 28 to September 15, 2025, marking the start of the 2025-26 Indian cricket season. Hosted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the tournament features six zonal teams—North, South, East, West, Central, and North East—competing in a knockout format, with quarter-finals on August 28, semi-finals on September 4, and a five-day final starting September 11.

After last season’s experimental India A, B, C, and D format, the return to zonal teams has reignited regional pride and heightened the tournament’s relevance, with the BCCI mandating participation for non-injured, non-international-duty players.

West Zone: A Star-Studded Lineup

Led by Shardul Thakur, who featured in India’s recent Test squad in England, West Zone boasts a formidable roster including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, and Sarfaraz Khan. Both Iyer and Sarfaraz, overlooked for India’s recent England tour and the Asia Cup T20, are eager to pile up runs to reclaim their spots in the national Test side. Jaiswal, despite being excluded from the Asia Cup, remains a red-ball standout and aims to kickstart his season with significant contributions. The team, further strengthened by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shams Mulani, is poised to dominate.

South Zone: Emerging Talents Shine

South Zone, captained by Tilak Varma, features key players like R Sai Kishore, who returns from a hand injury, and Devdutt Padikkal, back from injury and aiming to re-enter national contention after debuting against England in 2024. With a balanced squad including Narayan Jagadeesan and Vijaykumar Vyshak, South Zone, the 2023 zonal format champions, are seeded directly into the semi-finals alongside West Zone.

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East Zone: Easwaran and Shami in Focus

In the absence of an injured Ishan Kishan, Abhimanyu Easwaran leads East Zone. Having been a consistent reserve for India’s Test team without debuting, Easwaran is determined to amass runs. The spotlight also falls on Mohammed Shami, whose red-ball fitness is under scrutiny after missing India’s tours to Australia and England due to injuries. The veteran pacer, absent from Tests since 2023, must deliver long spells and wickets to regain selectors’ attention. Riyan Parag and Mukesh Kumar add depth to the squad.

North Zone: Leadership and Opportunity

With Shubman Gill sidelined by illness for the opening game, vice-captain Ankit Kumar is expected to lead North Zone. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, part of India’s Asia Cup T20 squad, may play only the initial match before departing for the UAE. Arshdeep, yet to debut in Tests, and Rana, seeking to re-enter the Test radar, have much to prove. Young talents like Yash Dhull and Anshul Kamboj, the latter a late addition to India’s England Test squad, aim to make their mark.

Central Zone: Jurel’s Leadership Test

Dhruv Jurel, Central Zone’s captain and wicketkeeper, faces a test of his leadership skills while aiming to solidify his position as a Test prospect. Rajat Patidar, dropped after a poor 2024 home series against England, seeks a comeback with strong performances. The squad, featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, and Khaleel Ahmed, blends experience and youth, making it a formidable contender in the quarter-finals.

North East Zone: The Underdogs

Led by Jonathan Rongsen, North East Zone faces a daunting challenge against more established teams. A standout performance from players like Ankur Malik or Techi Doria could draw significant attention, offering a platform for emerging talents from less-represented cricketing regions.

Tournament Significance and Format

The Duleep Trophy, named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji, has been a cornerstone of Indian domestic cricket since 1961. West Zone leads with 19 titles, while South Zone won the last zonal edition in 2023. This year’s knockout format includes two quarter-finals (North vs. East and Central vs. North East), with winners advancing to face South and West Zones in the semi-finals. All matches, hosted in Bengaluru, ensure consistent conditions and high-quality facilities, amplifying the tournament’s competitive edge. Fans can follow the action via live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website, with matches starting at 9:30 AM IST.

A Platform for National Aspirations

With India’s Test team in transition—lacking stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—players like Iyer, Sarfaraz, Patidar, and Gaikwad see the Duleep Trophy as a critical opportunity to stake claims for middle-order spots. Shami’s fitness and form could determine his return as India’s third pacer, while young talents like Jurel and Easwaran aim to break through. The tournament’s return to its zonal roots promises fierce regional rivalries and a showcase of India’s cricketing depth, setting the stage for a thrilling domestic season.

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