Ishan Kishan & Mohammed Shami: The Comeback Crew
East Zone boasts two of the biggest names in the tournament, both with a point to prove. Ishan Kishan, leading the side, returns to the domestic red-ball circuit looking to solidify his place as a multi-format contender for India. After a period of inconsistent
form, a captain's knock here could do wonders for his confidence. He is joined by veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who returns to competitive red-ball cricket to lead the East Zone pace attack. For Shami, this tournament is a chance to prove his fitness and reinforce his value to the Test side's long-term plans. Their presence makes East Zone an immediate powerhouse.
Prithvi Shaw: A Lifeline for a Lost Talent
Once hailed as the next big thing in Indian batting, Prithvi Shaw's career has seen significant turbulence. His inclusion in the West Zone squad is being widely described as a career lifeline. After being dropped last season due to poor fitness, Shaw moved from Mumbai to Maharashtra and had an impressive run in the Ranji Trophy, which seems to have earned him this recall. Still just 26, the Duleep Trophy provides a high-profile platform for the prodigiously talented opener to show selectors he still has the discipline and hunger to resurrect his international career. All eyes will be on him to see if he can translate his domestic form against elite opposition.
Tilak Varma & Ruturaj Gaikwad: Captains in the Spotlight
Two of the IPL's most prominent young captains, Tilak Varma (South Zone) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (West Zone), have been handed leadership duties. For Varma, who recently served as vice-captain for the Indian T20I team, this is another step up in his leadership journey. Leading a balanced South Zone squad featuring veterans like Karun Nair, Varma's captaincy and batting will be under scrutiny. Gaikwad, meanwhile, will helm a star-studded West Zone that includes Prithvi Shaw and the Khan brothers, Sarfaraz and Musheer. As captains, the pressure is on them not just to score runs but to guide their high-profile teams deep into the tournament.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Teenage Sensation
In a move that signals a focus on the future, teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named vice-captain of the East Zone. This is a significant vote of confidence in a player who has already made headlines with his rapid rise through the ranks. Despite his limited first-class experience, being appointed deputy to Ishan Kishan in a tournament of this stature is a massive opportunity. The Duleep Trophy will be his biggest red-ball test yet, and a strong showing could fast-track his journey toward higher honours and strengthen his credentials for future India A and Test consideration.
Rajat Patidar & Rinku Singh: The Reigning Champions
Central Zone enters the tournament as defending champions, led once again by the dependable Rajat Patidar. Patidar remains a key figure in India's red-ball discussions, and his leadership will be vital as his team aims to defend its title. This year, he has a powerful new deputy in Rinku Singh, who has been appointed vice-captain. The squad is further bolstered by India internationals like Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur, making Central Zone one of the strongest contenders on paper. Their campaign will be a test of whether they can handle the pressure of being the team to beat.
