Renowned pair from Test team omitted from West Zone squad for Duleep Trophy competition
West Zone Announces Squad for the Upcoming Duleep Trophy
The West Zone has announced its squad for the highly anticipated Duleep Trophy, scheduled to begin the 2025-26 Indian domestic season from August 28 to September 15. The tournament will revert to a zonal format with six teams participating this year.
Shardul Thakur, a versatile all-rounder, has been named captain of the West Zone squad. Thakur, who has led Mumbai twice in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2024, will be making his first appearance as a captain in a first-class match.
The squad boasts a strong batting lineup, with names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, all set to represent the West Zone. Harvik Desai and Saurabh Nawale will be the wicketkeepers, while Aarya Desai and Manan Hingrajia are also part of the squad, although their specific roles are yet to be confirmed.
Notable absentees from the squad are Ajinkya Rahane (Mumbai) and Cheteshwar Pujara (Saurashtra). Their exclusion from the squad signals a broader doubt about their domestic future and strongly diminishes their chances of an India comeback in red-ball cricket. The West Zone selectors found it tough to accommodate both veterans given the presence of other strong contenders like Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer. Rahane's performance in the Ranji Trophy was considered below expectations, with an average around 35, which contributed to this decision.
The bowling department is equally impressive, with Arzan Nagwaswalla, Shams Mulani, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Tanush Kotian, and Tushar Deshpande set to take the field. Jaymeet Patel completes the all-rounder contingent.
The West Zone squad was announced on Friday, August 1. The team will be aiming to reclaim the Duleep Trophy, which they last won in 2018-19. The tournament promises to be a thrilling affair, with each team showcasing their strength and talent.
References: [1] IndiaTV News [2] Cricbuzz [3] ESPNcricinfo [4] The Hindu
Cricket news highlights the West Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, a significant sports event in the Indian domestic season. The tournament, scheduled from August 28 to September 15, features a strong West Zone lineup with players like Shardul Thakur, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer participating.
