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

With Ajinkya Rahane announcing his retirement from all formats of cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have begun their search for a new captain ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

Unless the franchise acquires an experienced leader through the auction or a trade, Rinku Singh has emerged as the strongest candidate to take over the captaincy after serving as Rahane’s deputy over the past two seasons.

Rinku Singh Favoured for Leadership Role

KKR appointed Rinku Singh as vice-captain before the start of IPL 2026, signalling the franchise’s long-term leadership plans.

At the time, head coach Abhishek Nayar explained that Rinku had grown into a leader both on and off the field.

Nayar praised Rinku’s influence within the dressing room, saying the left-hander had earned the respect of teammates through his performances and calm presence. The additional responsibility was seen as the next step in his leadership journey while working alongside Ajinkya Rahane.

Strong Captaincy Record at Domestic Level

Although Rinku lacks IPL captaincy experience, his domestic leadership record is encouraging.

He captained Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 League title in 2024 before guiding them to the runners-up finish in 2025. Across the two seasons, Rinku led the side to 13 wins in 18 matches.

He also took over as captain of Uttar Pradesh in List A cricket ahead of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, replacing veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Those experiences have strengthened his credentials to lead one of the IPL’s biggest franchises.

Sunil Narine Remains a Serious Option

Veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine is another name under consideration.

The 38-year-old has been associated with KKR since 2012 and remains one of the franchise’s most influential players. He is the highest wicket-taking overseas bowler in IPL history and has represented multiple Knight Riders franchises around the world, including:

• Trinbago Knight Riders
• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
• Los Angeles Knight Riders

While Narine has never captained KKR, his experience and leadership within the group make him a credible short-term option.

Rovman Powell Also in the Mix

West Indies batter Rovman Powell could also be considered.

Powell captained the West Indies in 37 T20 Internationals between 2022 and 2024 and brings valuable leadership experience. However, he has played only 13 IPL matches for KKR across the last two seasons, making him an outside contender compared to Rinku and Narine.

Auction Could Influence KKR’s Decision

KKR are also expected to evaluate leadership options during the IPL trade window and auction later this year.

The trade window will remain open until one week before the auction and reopen once the auction concludes. The BCCI is yet to announce the official retention and auction dates for IPL 2027.

With only one season remaining in the current IPL cycle (2025-27), the franchise could appoint a temporary captain before reviewing its long-term leadership strategy ahead of the next cycle.

At present, however, Rinku Singh appears to be the leading favourite to usher in KKR’s next era.

• 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