Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy Title Defence; Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur Included

Bengaluru, August 1: Defending champions Central Zone have named India batter Rajat Patidar as captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, with the squad featuring fellow India internationals Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, and Yash Thakur.

Patidar will spearhead Central Zone's campaign as they look to retain the title in the season-opening domestic tournament. Rinku Singh has been appointed vice-captain, adding further experience to a squad that blends established performers with emerging talent.

Among the notable inclusions is Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain, who recently earned a place in India's Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. Jain is expected to lead the spin attack alongside left-arm spinning all-rounder Harsh Dubey and Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who marked his return to red-ball cricket after a five-year gap during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka.

Breakthrough performers rewarded

Vidarbha opener Aman Mokhade has been rewarded for an outstanding 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign that also earned him an India A call-up. Mokhade amassed 760 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 76, making him one of the standout batters of the domestic season.

Joining him is Chhattisgarh opener Ayush Pandey, who also impressed during the India A tour of Sri Lanka, while Vidarbha batter Yash Rathod is expected to play a crucial role in the middle order alongside skipper Patidar.

Balanced bowling attack

The pace department will be led by India fast bowler Yash Thakur, with support from Vidarbha seamer Nachiket Bhute and Madhya Pradesh left-arm pacer Arshad Khan.

Behind the stumps, Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper Aryan Juyal is likely to be the first-choice gloveman, while Rajasthan's Kunal Singh Rathore has been named as the backup wicketkeeper.

Bye to semi-finals

As defending champions, Central Zone have received a direct entry into the semi-finals and will begin their campaign on August 30, where they will face the winner of the first-round clash between East Zone and North East Zone.

The Duleep Trophy will commence on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence grounds in Bengaluru, with the final scheduled to begin on September 6.

Central Zone Squad

Rajat Patidar (Captain), Rinku Singh (Vice-Captain), Aryan Juyal (WK), Kunal Singh Rathore (WK), Saransh Jain, Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur, Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod, Zeeshan Ansari, Arshad Khan, Nachiket Bhute, Kunal Chandela, Aryan Pandey.