The Duleep Trophy 2025 is set to begin on August 28, marking the start of an exciting phase of domestic cricket in India. Following the conclusion of the India–England Test series, attention now shifts to this premier zonal competition, which will feature several international stars returning to domestic action.
Central Zone Squad: Dhruv Jurel Named Captain
The Central Zone has announced its squad with Dhruv Jurel appointed as captain and wicketkeeper-batter. Jurel replaces Rishabh Pant, who is sidelined for six weeks due to an injury sustained during the fourth Test against England. Rajat Patidar has been named vice-captain, subject to fitness clearance.
Central Zone Squad:
- Captain: Dhruv Jurel
- Rajat Patidar (vice-captain, fitness pending)
- Aryan Juyal, Malewar, Sanchit Desai
- Kuldeep Yadav, Aditya Thakre, Deepak Chahar
- Sharash Jain, Ayush Pandey, Shubham Sharma
- Yash Rathore, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed
Standby Players: Madhav Kaushik, Yash Thakur, Yuvraj Choudhary, Mahipal Lomror, Kuldeep Sen, Upendra Yadav.
Notably, Karun Nair has missed out on selection despite a strong domestic record, raising eyebrows among cricket followers.
North Zone Squad: Gill to Lead
The North Zone squad will be led by Shubman Gill, with a balanced mix of youth and experience. If Gill is called up for the Asia Cup squad, his replacement will be announced accordingly.
North Zone Squad:
Shubman Gill (captain), Shubham Khajuria, Ankit Kumar, Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, Ankit Kalsi, Nishant Sindhu, Sahil Lotra, Mayank Dagar, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Aqib Nabi, Kanhaiya Wadhwan.
Key Players to Watch in Duleep Trophy 2025
The tournament will be a crucial platform for several players aiming for an India comeback:
- Kuldeep Yadav – Continues to impress in domestic cricket but struggles to cement a place in India’s playing XI.
- Deepak Chahar – Will look to perform strongly to re-enter the national setup after injury concerns.
The Duleep Trophy also promises to feature big names like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan, adding to the tournament’s star appeal.
Tournament Context of Duleep Trophy 2025
The Duleep Trophy has undergone reforms under the BCCI’s updated domestic participation rules, ensuring more Indian internationals take part in zonal cricket. The 2025 edition will be played in a zonal format, with teams representing North, South, East, West, and Central Zones.
With international stars, rising talents, and fierce regional rivalries, the Duleep Trophy 2025 is set to deliver high-quality cricket and could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future squads.
Also Read –
Haider Ali Arrested in Rape Case in England, Suspended by PCB