Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Prodigy's Red-Ball Test
All eyes will be on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After a record-shattering IPL 2026 where he won the Orange Cap, the youngster made his T20I debut for India. His appointment as East Zone's vice-captain for the Duleep Trophy is a massive vote of confidence.
While his explosive, high-strike-rate batting is tailor-made for T20s, his first-class record is still in its infancy. The tournament, which begins on August 23 in Bengaluru, will be a stern examination of his technique and temperament against the red ball, and a chance to prove his all-format credentials.
Rinku Singh: The Finisher's Next Chapter
Rinku Singh has cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in white-ball cricket. Now, as the vice-captain of the Central Zone, he has a platform to showcase his red-ball capabilities. Fans know him for his six-hitting prowess under pressure in the IPL, but Rinku also possesses a solid first-class record that often goes overlooked. The Duleep Trophy offers him a chance to remind selectors of his versatility and build a case for a Test spot by converting his finisher's mindset into the patience and grit required for long innings.
Sai Sudharsan: The All-Format Stylist
Unlike many on this list, Sai Sudharsan is already viewed as a player with a strong red-ball game. After another prolific IPL season where he amassed over 700 runs, the left-hander has spoken about the challenge of adapting to the longer format. With impressive recent showings for India A and a Test debut already under his belt, Sudharsan is a key player for South Zone. An injury recently sidelined him from a Test series, allowing others a chance to impress. A dominant performance in the Duleep Trophy would be the perfect way for him to reassert his claim as a top-order batsman for India in all formats.
Abhishek Sharma: The Aggressor at the Top
Abhishek Sharma's aggressive opening partnerships in the IPL have been a highlight for Sunrisers Hyderabad, earning him an India call-up. He has carried that form into international T20s, establishing himself as a fearless top-order batsman. While his reputation is built on white-ball fireworks, he scored a crucial 94 on his Ranji Trophy debut, showcasing early promise in the longer format. For the North Zone, his challenge will be to translate that T20 dominance into substantial red-ball scores, proving his attacking style can be effective against the swinging new ball.
Mayank Yadav: The Pace Phenomenon
Few sights in recent IPL history have been as thrilling as Mayank Yadav bowling at over 150 kmph. After a frustrating period of injuries that cut short his breakout seasons, a fully fit Mayank is ready for action. His raw pace is a game-changer in any format, but its impact in four-day cricket, where he can wear down batsmen over long spells, could be immense. The key for Mayank and his team, Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, has been careful workload management. If he can maintain his fitness, his presence in the North Zone attack could make them one of the most feared bowling units in the tournament.
