Mohammed Shami: The Veteran's Fitness Test
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami returns to the prestigious red-ball tournament leading the East Zone attack. After a lengthy period managing his body, including ankle surgery, the Duleep Trophy serves as the perfect platform to prove his fitness and readiness
for the rigours of five-day cricket. Shami had a fantastic 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, finishing with 37 wickets in just seven matches, demonstrating he still possesses the skill and endurance. A strong showing here, with consistent pace and his trademark seam movement, would send a clear message to the national selectors that the 36-year-old is prepared for an international comeback ahead of a busy season.
Shardul Thakur: The All-Rounder's Audition
Shardul Thakur finds himself in a familiar position: needing to prove his unique value. The seam-bowling all-rounder, representing West Zone, has been in and out of the Test side. His knack for breaking partnerships and scoring crucial lower-order runs has been vital for India in the past, most notably on overseas tours. However, with competition for all-rounder spots always fierce, consistent performances are non-negotiable. After a mixed period that saw him lose his place in the ODI and Test setups post the 2023 World Cup, he has since fought his way back into contention. The Duleep Trophy is his chance to deliver a compelling all-round display and remind everyone of the balance he brings to the side.
Ishan Kishan: A Return to Red-Ball Focus
Entrusted with the captaincy of the East Zone, Ishan Kishan has a point to prove in the longest format. After a period away from Test cricket, his return to the national setup has been focused on white-ball formats, where he has been sensational. Now, this tournament is his opportunity to reaffirm his red-ball credentials. As captain and wicketkeeper, he will be in the thick of the action, allowing selectors to assess not just his explosive batting and glovework, but also his temperament and leadership over multiple days. A commanding performance with the bat could put him right back in the conversation for the Test wicketkeeper-batsman role.
Sarfaraz Khan: The Redemption Arc
For Sarfaraz Khan, the Duleep Trophy is a chance to get his Test career back on track. After a long-awaited debut in 2024, the prolific domestic scorer found himself out of the side later that year. Now playing for West Zone, he has an opportunity to do what he does best: score big runs. After a phenomenal run in the 2025-26 domestic season, where he averaged over 53 in the Ranji Trophy, his appetite for runs is undeniable. Known as the 'Bradman of domestic cricket' for his staggering first-class record, another dominant performance in a high-profile tournament like this would make it incredibly difficult for selectors to ignore him again, especially with middle-order spots often being a point of discussion for the national team.
Rajat Patidar: Proving He Belongs
Rajat Patidar will lead the Central Zone, a role that reflects his standing in domestic cricket. After earning his Test debut against England in 2024 on the back of immense domestic and India 'A' form, he struggled to convert his starts into significant scores. As a result, he was released from the squad to find form in the Ranji Trophy. The 33-year-old now has the perfect stage to show that his initial Test run was a minor blip. With India's middle-order continuing to be a competitive space, a captain's knock and a run of big scores in the Duleep Trophy could catapult him right back into the selectors' plans for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
