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.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed captain of the West Zone squad for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani has been named vice-captain for the season-opening domestic tournament. The 15-member squad features a strong Mumbai contingent, with six players earning selection. Among them are experienced all-rounder Shardul Thakur and batter Sarfaraz Khan. Former Mumbai opener Prithvi Shaw has also secured a place after an impressive debut Ranji Trophy season for Maharashtra, where he amassed 537 runs in 11 innings at an average of 48.84. His campaign included a blistering 222 off 156 balls against Chandigarh, which featured the third-fastest century in Ranji Trophy history. Promising Mumbai batter Aayush Mhatre has not been considered for selection as he continues to recover from hamstring and wrist injuries. The 19-year-old, who missed the remainder of Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 campaign after six appearances, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Gaikwad is expected to bat in the middle order during the tournament, reflecting the role he envisions for himself in red-ball cricket. The 29-year-old recently represented India A, contributing to the team's victories in both the one-day tri-series and the four-day series in Sri Lanka. Saurashtra wicketkeeper Harvik Desai is likely to be the first-choice gloveman, with Gujarat's Urvil Patel serving as the backup. Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan has also been rewarded with a call-up after an impressive 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, during which he scored 446 runs and claimed 16 wickets. West Zone's spin attack will be spearheaded by Mumbai duo Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian, while Gujarat left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai provides another potent option after taking 45 wickets at an average of 18.42 in the previous Ranji Trophy season. The six-team Duleep Trophy will be played from August 23 to September 10 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. West Zone will aim to improve on last season's performance after being knocked out by eventual champions Central Zone in the semi-finals. West Zone Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shams Mulani (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Tanush Kotian, Harvik Desai (wk), Jaymeet Patel, Urvil Patel, Siddharth Desai, Atit Sheth, Prithvi Shaw, Shivalik Sharma and Mukesh Choudhary.