The Central Zone has announced its squad for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, with Rajat Patidar set to continue as captain after leading the side to the title last season. India batter Rinku Singh has been appointed vice-captain as the defending champions prepare to begin their title defence later this month.
The squad also features Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain, who recently earned his maiden India Test call-up for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Central Zone will enter the tournament directly at the semi-final stage after winning last year's edition and will begin their campaign on August 30 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Rajat Patidar once again headlines the Central Zone squad after enjoying a memorable Duleep Trophy campaign last season. The right-handed batter captained the side to the title and finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer with 382 runs, including a match-winning century in the final against South Zone.
Star Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter and vice-captain Rinku Singh has been named Patidar's deputy, adding further experience to the batting unit. The squad also includes promising Vidarbha opener Aman Mokhade, who impressed during the previous Ranji Trophy season with 760 runs in 11 innings. Mokhade was recently part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka and made a useful contribution during the unofficial Test series.
Vidarbha's Yash Rathod has also retained his place, while wicketkeeping duties will be shared by Aryan Juyal and Kunal Singh Rathod, giving the defending champions solid depth in the batting department.
Saransh Jain and Yash Thakur headline Central Zone's Duleep Trophy squad
Fresh from receiving his maiden India Test call-up, Saransh Jain has been included in the Central Zone squad and is expected to play a key all-round role. His ability to contribute with both bat and off-spin makes him an important member of the side heading into the tournament.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Vidarbha duo Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute, with all-rounder Arshad Khan providing another pace option. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey has been entrusted with leading the spin department after another impressive domestic season and India debut.
The selectors have also continued to show faith in wrist-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who recently returned to first-class cricket after a long gap. Ansari was part of India's preparations as a net bowler for the Afghanistan Test earlier this year before travelling with the India A squad to Sri Lanka, where he featured in the unofficial Test series.
With a balanced mix of experienced performers and emerging domestic talent, Central Zone will be aiming to successfully defend the Duleep Trophy under Patidar's leadership.
Central Zone squad and support staff for Duleep Trophy
Central Zone squad for Duleep Trophy: Rajat Patidar (captain), Rinku Singh (vice-captain), Aryan Juyal (wicketkeeper), Saransh Jain, Aman Mokhade, Kunal Chandela, Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Pandey, Arshad Khan, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Kunal Singh Rathod (wk), Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute.
Stand-by players: Amandeep Khare, Mayank Mishra, Saurabh Rawat, Bhargav Merai, Kunal Yadav and Kumar Kartikeya.
Support Staff: Nikhil Doru – Head coach, Deshraj Chouhan – Physio, Chandrashekhar Rao – VA, Mohit Kumar – Masseur, Manish Jha – Assistant Coach, Mayank Agrawal – Trainer, Zuffri Zakeria – Manager.
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