India's 2026-27 domestic season has opened with the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru, with the tournament returning to its traditional inter-zonal format for a second consecutive season after a four-team structure in 2024-25. The semi-finals are set for August 30, with Central Zone facing East Zone on Ground 1 and South Zone taking on North Zone on Ground 2 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
All four zones have pace options who could shape the outcome of their respective matches. Here is a look at three
fast bowlers who have the potential to make a real impact in the semi-finals.
3 fast bowlers who can make an impact in Duleep Trophy semi-final
3. Gurnoor Brar (North Zone)
Gurnoor Brar is a tall fast bowler who has joined the North Zone squad for the semi-final against South Zone. He is set to replace Jammu and Kashmir pacer Sunil Kumar in the North Zone XI. Brar has played six ODIs so far and was part of India's squad during the recent series win over Sri Lanka, which India won 1-0, though he did not feature in the playing XI. According to reports, the Indian team management is keen for Brar to get red-ball game time with an eye on having him ready for the Test series in New Zealand in November 2026. A strong showing in the semi-final could push his case for that tour, where his pace and bounce could be a useful weapon against the home batters.
2. Yash Thakur (Central Zone)
Yash Thakur is a seamer in the Central Zone squad and was part of the side that won the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy title. He arrives at the semi-final with recent red-ball experience, having picked up five wickets across two unofficial Tests played in Sri Lanka against Sri Lanka A. The Bengaluru conditions could work in favour of a bowler of his type, and with Central Zone defending their title, Thakur will be eager to contribute with the ball as they look to reach another final.
1. Mohammed Shami (East Zone)
Mohammed Shami is a key figure in the East Zone squad, which is led by captain Ishan Kishan, as they prepare to face Central Zone in Semi-Final 1. Shami had an outstanding 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, claiming 37 wickets in just seven games. However, he did not pick up a single wicket in East Zone's quarter-final against North East Zone. Despite that outing, Shami is regarded as a big-match bowler whose experience and skill at the highest level make him a crucial figure for East Zone's semi-final campaign. A return to form in this match would significantly strengthen East Zone's chances of reaching the final.
