The prestigious Duleep Trophy 2025 is set to take place from August 28 to September 11 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru. Returning to its traditional zonal format, the tournament will see six regional teams – North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, and North East Zone – fighting for domestic supremacy.
The format brings back the classic flavor of zonal rivalries with quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. Interestingly, last year’s finalists, West Zone and South Zone, will be up against each other in the semifinals, while the other four zones will battle it out in quarterfinals for a place in the last four. Adding to the excitement, each team will be led by a captain with proven ability and experience across formats. Here’s a look at the leaders of the six sides.
Shardul Thakur – West Zone
Image Source: Social Media
Experienced Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur will marshal the West Zone. Known for his match-winning spells and timely batting cameos, Thakur comes into the tournament after representing India in the recently concluded England Test series. His domestic record underscores his dual value: over 2,600 first-class runs with two centuries, along with 302 wickets at a steady average of 28.11. With his knack for crucial breakthroughs, Thakur promises to be a key force for West Zone.
Shubman Gill – North Zone
Image Source: Social Media
Team India’s Test skipper Shubman Gill leads North Zone this year. The 25-year-old had a phenomenal run in the England series, amassing nearly 800 runs with four centuries, reinforcing his stature as India’s next batting great. In first-class cricket, he already boasts 5,341 runs at an average close to 50, with 18 centuries to his name. North Zone will hope their dynamic leader continues his golden form and guides them deep into the competition.
Tilak Varma – South Zone
Image Source: Social Media
One of India’s brightest young batting stars, Tilak Varma takes charge of South Zone. Though yet to feature in the Test arena, the stylish left-hander has shone in limited-overs cricket for India and IPL. His domestic red-ball record is equally impressive – over 1,500 runs in 22 matches at an average of 52, including seven centuries. Varma also offers part-time off-spin, making him a well-rounded leader for a youthful South Zone lineup.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Full List of All Team Squads Announced
Abhimanyu Easwaran – East Zone
Image Source: Social Media
Initially slated to be led by Ishan Kishan, an injury brought Abhimanyu Easwaran back at the helm of East Zone. A consistent performer in domestic cricket and a long-time member of India A, Easwaran has been knocking at the doors of the Test squad for years. With a remarkable tally of 7,841 runs in 103 first-class matches, including 27 hundreds, he brings immense experience and calm leadership to his side.
Dhruv Jurel – Central Zone
Image Source: Social Media
Emerging wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel gets the responsibility to lead Central Zone. Having recently made his Test debut for India, Jurel has shown solid temperament behind the stumps and with the bat. His first-class career includes 1,515 runs in 25 matches, with one century and 12 half-centuries. Known for his composure in tense situations, Jurel embodies the next generation of Indian leaders at the domestic level.
Rongsen Jonathan – North East Zone
Image Source: Social Media
Veteran Nagaland cricketer Rongsen Jonathan will captain North East Zone. At 38, the prolific all-rounder brings rich experience to the side, with 2,568 runs and 73 wickets in his first-class career. Having shouldered Nagaland’s batting for several years, Jonathan’s leadership will be crucial in mentoring youngsters from the emerging North East cricketing circuit.
The Road Ahead
The Duleep Trophy has long served as a breeding ground for Indian cricket’s future stars. With a mix of established internationals and rising domestic names, the 2025 edition promises high-quality cricket and competitive zonal clashes. As the six skippers lead their troops, the tournament will not only decide regional supremacy but could also shape the national team’s next set of heroes.
Also Read: Who Will Be the New Sponsor of Team India Jersey After the Dream11 Ban?
Give Your Feedback