The Central Zone Squad That Could Extend Its Duleep Trophy Dynasty

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-08-02

When the Duleep Trophy kicks off this month, all eyes will be on Central Zone. They're not just another team in the draw—they're the defending champions, and they've got a real shot at making it two in a row. The squad they've assembled blends seasoned India internationals with a wave of fresh domestic talent that's been impossible to ignore. Leading the charge is Rajat Patidar, a batter who knows what it takes to perform under pressure. He's not alone, though. The lineup also features Rinku Singh, left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, and fast bowler Yash Thakur—all of whom have worn the India jersey. That kind of experience is a luxury in domestic cricket, and Central Zone plans to use every bit of it. ### The Spin Department Looks Absolutely Loaded If there's one area where Central Zone stands out, it's spin. Saransh Jain, Patidar's teammate at Madhya Pradesh, is set to lead the attack. He's also part of India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which tells you exactly how highly he's rated right now. Jain won't be working alone. He'll have Harsh Dubey spinning from the other end, plus Uttar Pradesh legspinner Zeeshan Ansari. Ansari's story is particularly interesting—he returned to red-ball cricket after a five-year gap during India A's recent tour of Sri Lanka. That kind of comeback shows real character, and he'll be eager to prove he belongs at this level. ### Fresh Faces Who Earned Their Spots The selectors haven't just gone with big names. They've rewarded form, and that's always a good sign for the health of domestic cricket. Take Aman Mokhade, for example. The Vidarbha opener had a breakout 2025-26 Ranji season, scoring 760 runs in 11 innings at an average of 76. Those numbers earned him an India A call-up, and now he's in this squad on merit. Ayush Pandey, the Chhattisgarh opener, is in a similar boat. He debuted for India A in Sri Lanka and impressed enough to get the nod here. Then there's Yash Rathod, another Vidarbha batter who's built a rock-solid record over the past two seasons. He'll slot into the middle order alongside Patidar, giving the batting unit both experience and recent form. ### Pace Attack and Wicketkeeping Options Central Zone's fast-bowling stocks look healthy too. Yash Thakur brings international experience, while Vidarbha's Nachiket Bhute and Madhya Pradesh's Arshad Khan add domestic depth. That mix gives the captain plenty of options depending on the pitch and conditions. Behind the stumps, Aryan Juyal from Uttar Pradesh is the first-choice wicketkeeper. Kunal Singh Rathore has been named as his understudy, which means the team has solid cover in that crucial role throughout the campaign. ### A Direct Route to the Semi-Finals Here's where things get interesting. As defending champions, Central Zone have earned a bye straight into the semi-finals. They skip the opening round entirely, which is a massive advantage. Their first match will come against the winner of East Zone versus North East Zone, with the semi-finals starting on August 30. The tournament itself begins on August 23 at the CoE grounds in Bengaluru, marking the start of the Indian domestic season. The final is scheduled for September 6, so it's a compact, two-week sprint to the finish. For Central Zone, the goal is simple: use that head start to lift the trophy once again. > "This squad has the right blend of experience and hunger. The bye gives us a chance to be fresh, but we know we'll have to earn it on the field." ### Full Central Zone Squad for the Duleep Trophy Here's the complete 15-man squad that will look to defend the title: - Rajat Patidar (captain) - Aryan Juyal (wicketkeeper) - Saransh Jain - Aman Mokhade - Kunal Chandela - Zeeshan Ansari - Aryan Pandey - Arshad Khan - Rinku Singh (vice-captain) - Ayush Pandey - Yash Rathod - Harsh Dubey - Kunal Singh Rathod (wicketkeeper) - Yash Thakur - Nachiket Bhute That's a squad with genuine depth. The core of established players provides stability, while the newer names bring energy and something to prove. If the batting clicks and the spinners find their rhythm early, Central Zone could be very tough to stop. The Duleep Trophy has always been a launching pad for future India stars, and this edition looks no different. Whether it's Mokhade's aggressive stroke play or Ansari's redemption arc, there's plenty to watch. For Central Zone, though, the only thing that matters is the trophy. They've got the tools, the talent, and the momentum. Now it's about execution when it counts.