India and Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur has been appointed captain of the West Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, set to kick off the 2025-26 domestic cricket season in September. The 15-member squad, announced on Friday, boasts a formidable lineup featuring Indian stars Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, alongside seven players from Mumbai.

The Duleep Trophy is reverting to its traditional zonal format this year, moving away from the four-team structure (India A, B, C, and D) used last season. The tournament, a key platform for players to stake their claim for national selection, will see West Zone compete against other zonal teams, with the top teams advancing to the semifinals in Bengaluru. In the last zonal edition in 2023-24, South Zone clinched the title, while West Zone secured a direct semifinal berth.

The West Zone squad blends experience with youth. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, fresh off his exploits in international cricket, will lead the batting alongside the dynamic Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer, both eager to cement their spots in the Indian Test setup. Ruturaj Gaikwad, known for his elegant strokeplay, strengthens the middle order. The wicketkeeping duties will be shared by Saurashtra’s Harvik Desai and Maharashtra’s Saurabh Nawale.

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The bowling attack is equally potent, with Mumbai’s Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian spearheading the spin department, while Tushar Deshpande and Arzan Nagwaswala provide pace. Saurashtra’s Dharmandrasinh Jadeja adds variety to the attack.

The squad was finalized by a selection committee led by Mumbai’s Sanjay Patil, with representatives from Baroda, Maharashtra, Saurashtra, and Gujarat. Mumbai Cricket Association secretary Abhay Hadap served as the convener. The committee’s selections reflect a strategic mix of proven performers and emerging talents, positioning West Zone as a strong contender.

With the tournament serving as a crucial audition for India’s Test team, all eyes will be on Thakur’s leadership and the performances of Jaiswal, Iyer, and Sarfaraz. Cricket fans can expect high-intensity clashes as West Zone aims to reclaim the Duleep Trophy crown.

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