Defending champions Central Zone have named Rajat Patidar as captain for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, with India batter Rinku Singh appointed as vice-captain for the prestigious inter-zonal red-ball tournament.

The squad also features recent India debutants Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur, while Saransh Jain, who earned a place in India’s Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, strengthens the spin department.

Star-Studded Squad for Defending Champions

Central Zone have assembled a balanced squad packed with domestic performers and international experience.

Patidar will lead a batting unit that includes Rinku Singh, Yash Rathod, Aman Mokhade, and Ayush Pandey, while wicketkeeping duties will primarily be handled by Aryan Juyal.

The bowling attack features an exciting blend of pace and spin, with Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, and Arshad Khan leading the seam department.

Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey Head Spin Attack

The spin unit will be led by Saransh Jain, alongside left-arm all-rounder Harsh Dubey and Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari.

Ansari recently returned to red-ball cricket after five years during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka, while Jain’s consistent domestic performances earned him a maiden call-up to India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series.

Aman Mokhade Rewarded for Outstanding Season

Vidarbha opener Aman Mokhade has been rewarded for a sensational 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign.

The right-hander amassed 760 runs in 11 innings at an outstanding average of 76, performances that also earned him an India A debut in Sri Lanka.

Another promising opener, Ayush Pandey of Chhattisgarh, has also retained his place after impressing during the India A tour.

Direct Entry Into Semi-Finals

As defending champions, Central Zone have received a bye into the semi-finals.

They will face the winner of the East Zone vs North East Zone clash on August 30, while the tournament begins on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 final is scheduled to begin on September 6.

Central Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

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

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has received another major boost in his rapidly rising career after being named vice-captain of the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026.

The 15-member squad will be captained by Ishan Kishan, while veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami also features in the team for the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Bengaluru, with the inter-zonal competition bringing together some of India’s top domestic cricketers.

Another Leadership Role for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The vice-captaincy is another significant milestone for Sooryavanshi, who has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past few months.

The young batter recently made his India debut on the UK tour before continuing his impressive form during the T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he was named the Player of the Series.

His appointment as vice-captain reflects the confidence selectors have in both his leadership qualities and cricketing ability despite his young age.

Ishan Kishan to Captain East Zone

Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been entrusted with leading the East Zone side.

Fresh from an outstanding Zimbabwe tour, where he played several match-winning knocks, Kishan will now guide a squad that blends experienced campaigners with exciting young talent.

His leadership will be crucial as East Zone aim for a strong campaign in the domestic tournament.

Mohammed Shami Continues Domestic Journey

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has also been included in the squad.

The 35-year-old has not represented India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final, but he remains active in domestic cricket.

Shami featured for Bengal during the 2025-26 domestic season and also played 13 of Lucknow Super Giants’ 14 matches in IPL 2026, showing that he continues to be an important performer.

His experience will significantly strengthen East Zone’s pace attack.

Strong East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy

Apart from Kishan, Sooryavanshi and Shami, the squad includes several established domestic performers such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Kumar Kushagra.

The combination of experienced internationals and promising youngsters makes East Zone one of the strongest teams heading into the tournament.

East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

• Ishan Kishan (Captain)
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Vice-Captain)
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Sudip Kumar Gharami
• Shahbaz Ahmed
• Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal
• Mohammed Shami
• Mukesh Kumar
• Kumar Kushagra
• Shikhar Mohan
• Anukul Roy
• Virat Singh
• Subhranshu Senapati
• Denish Das
• Abhijit Sarkar

Standby Players:

• Ayush Loharuka
• Sridam Paul
• Sambit S. Baral
• Sharandeep Singh
• Swastik Samal

With several international stars and emerging talents in the lineup, East Zone will head into the Duleep Trophy as one of the favourites to challenge for the title.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role