The West Zone selectors have named Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, showing their confidence in one of India’s most consistent domestic performers. Shams Mulani has been appointed vice-captain, while the squad includes several experienced and exciting players such as Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Shardul Thakur, and Tanush Kotian. West Zone, the most successful team in Duleep Trophy history with 19 titles, will be aiming to add another trophy to its cabinet.
West Zone will begin its campaign against North Zone in the quarterfinal on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Last season, the team was led by Shardul Thakur and reached the semifinals before being knocked out after conceding a crucial first-innings lead to Central Zone. This year, the selectors have decided to hand the leadership duties to Gaikwad, hoping he can guide the side to another title.
Gaikwad recently impressed in the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, where he scored valuable runs and looked in excellent touch. Although he could not replicate that success in the two-match multi-day series against Sri Lanka, the selectors have continued to back him. The Chennai Super Kings skipper has already built a strong reputation as a calm and tactical leader in the IPL, making him a natural choice to captain West Zone.
A West Zone selector said, “Ruturaj has shown excellent leadership qualities over the last few years. He understands the game well, leads from the front, and we believe he is the right person to guide this talented squad in the Duleep Trophy.” His experience of leading at the highest domestic and franchise levels is expected to benefit the team throughout the tournament.
Jaiswal to Miss Domestic Tournament Due to India Commitments
The batting department looks strong with Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Jaymeet Patel, and Shivalik Sharma providing plenty of depth. Harvik Desai and Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper Urvil Patel have been selected as the two wicketkeeping options. In the bowling department, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian and Siddharth Desai will lead the spin attack, while Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary, and Atit Sheth will spearhead the pace unit.
One of the biggest talking points is the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal from the squad. However, the India opener has not been dropped due to poor form or injury. Instead, he will be representing India in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which clashes with the Duleep Trophy schedule. His national commitments make him unavailable for West Zone.
India’s Sri Lanka tour begins with a four-day practice match on August 7, followed by the first Test in Galle on August 15. Since the Test series continues until the first half of September, Jaiswal will remain with the national team throughout that period. The Duleep Trophy runs from August 23 to September 10, making it impossible for him to take part in the domestic competition.
West Zone squad for the 2026 Duleep Trophy
Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shams Mulani (vice-captain), Harvik Desai (wk), Urvil Patel (wk), Jaymeet Patel, Prithvi Shaw, Shivalik Sharma, Siddharth Desai, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Atit Sheth, Mukesh Choudhary, Tanush Kotian, Shardul Thakur, and Tushar Deshpande. The reserve players are Jay Gohil, Aarya Desai, Arshin Kulkarni, Mahesh Pithiya, Vishal Jayswal, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.