The Central Zone squad for the 2026 Duleep Trophy has been announced. Madhya Pradesh batsman Rajat Patidar has been named captain, with Rinku Singh as vice-captain. The squad includes several prominent names from Indian cricket, including Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur.
The Central Zone team has strengthened its batting as well as bowling departments. Along with Rajat Patidar, Saransh Jain, Harsh Dubey, and Zeeshan Ansari from Uttar Pradesh will handle the spin department. Zeeshan Ansari recently returned to red-ball cricket with the India A team.
Aman Mokhade also found a place in the team.
Aman Mokhade, who performed brilliantly in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, has also been included in the squad. The Vidarbha opener was impressive in the domestic season, scoring 760 runs in 11 innings. Chhattisgarh’s Ayush Pandey, who made his India A debut, has also been included in the squad.
Yash Rathod will play a key role
Vidarbha’s Yash Rathod will play a key role in the middle order. In the fast bowling department, Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, and Arshad Khan have been selected. Uttar Pradesh’s Aryan Juyal is expected to handle wicketkeeping duties, while Kunal Singh Rathore will be the backup option.
Central Zone will directly enter the semi-finals
As defending champions, Central Zone received a bye in the opening round of the tournament. The team will advance directly to the semi-finals, starting on August 30, where it will face the winner of the match between East Zone and North East Zone. The Duleep Trophy 2026 will begin on August 23 at the CoE Grounds in Bengaluru, with the final scheduled for September 6.
Central Zone Team
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 Rathore, Harsh Dubey, Kunal Singh Rathore (wicketkeeper), Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute.