Will Shardul Thakur Shine as Captain of West Zone in Duleep Trophy?
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Synopsis
Shardul Thakur steps up as captain of the West Zone for the Duleep Trophy, starting August 28. With a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, this tournament is set to be an exciting showcase of cricketing prowess. Can Thakur lead his team to victory in this prestigious competition? Find out more!
Key Takeaways
- Shardul Thakur appointed captain of West Zone.
- Duleep Trophy begins on August 28.
- Includes notable players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer.
- Traditional zonal format with six competing teams.
- West Zone's first match on September 4.
Mumbai, Aug 1 (NationPress) Shardul Thakur, the talented seam-bowling all-rounder from India, has been appointed as the captain of the formidable West Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which is set to kick off on August 28 in Bengaluru.
The team was assembled by the zonal selection committee during a recent gathering at the MCA Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy and Recreation Centre in BKC. Notable players included in the squad are Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Currently representing India in the ongoing Test series in England, Thakur has proven to be an essential all-round asset for Mumbai alongside teammates Tanush Kotian and Shams Mulani. The squad also features pacer Tushar Deshpande, who has made the cut for this prestigious tournament.
Despite his talent, Iyer finds himself out of the Indian Test team after participating in 14 Tests, where he scored one century and five fifties. His absence from the team followed the second Test of the home series against England in 2024.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz remained on the bench during the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour in Australia earlier this year and also did not make the current Test tour of England, although he had a chance to represent India ‘A’ in two matches against the England Lions.
From Saurashtra, wicketkeeper-batter Harvik Desai and spinner Dharmendra Jadeja have been included, while players from the Gujarat squad such as Aarya Desai, Jaymeet Patel, Manan Hingrajia, and Arzan Nagwaswalla have also made the list. Additionally, Saurabh Nawale from Maharashtra joins Gaikwad in the West Zone team.
The Duleep Trophy will follow the traditional zonal format featuring six teams, marking the commencement of the 2025/26 domestic cricket season. The first match for West Zone is scheduled to begin on September 4, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final matchup between Central Zone and North East Zone.
West Zone squad: Shardul Thakur (Capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Aarya Desai, Harvik Desai (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jaymeet Patel, Manan Hingrajia, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Dharmendra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, and Arzan Nagwaswalla.
Point of View
The appointment of Shardul Thakur as captain reflects the ongoing evolution of Indian cricket, where fresh leadership is crucial. The Duleep Trophy serves as a vital platform for emerging talents and experienced players alike, and we expect to see an electrifying season ahead, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian cricket.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the West Zone in the Duleep Trophy?
Shardul Thakur has been appointed as the captain of the West Zone for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
When does the Duleep Trophy start?
The Duleep Trophy is set to commence on August 28 in Bengaluru.
Which key players are included in the West Zone squad?
Key players include Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
What is the format of the Duleep Trophy?
The Duleep Trophy will follow the traditional zonal format with six teams.
When is West Zone's first match?
West Zone's first match is scheduled for September 4.
