Duleep Trophy 2026: 3 bowlers who can break into Indian Test team

The Duleep Trophy has been a historic competition in India's cricketing cycles, bringing out the best players from each geographical zone and giving them a platform to shine. The competition recognises the best and most consistent performers in India's domestic game and offers a platform for highly rated players to shine. India's domestic red-ball game is often dominated by bowlers, who have influence in deciding match and tournament outcomes. The 2026 edition of the Duleep Trophy will put on display potential new faces who could establish themselves as household names before an eventual senior side call-up.

Jammu & Kashmir seam bowler Yudhvir Singh has been touted as a prospect due to his tall frame and hit-the-deck bowling. Yudhvir played a key role in J&K's first-ever Ranji Trophy triumph, picking up 21 wickets in seven matches. He has played 19 first-class games in which he has taken 50 wickets, proving his potential as a strike bowler. He is part of the North Zone squad but has yet to feature in the competition.

With India looking to develop a highly dependable and robust pace battery that can perform across conditions, Yudhvir's hit-the-deck bowling and high pace would make him an automatic contender, as these are attributes highly valued in the game. He was named in the India A squad for the series in Sri Lanka in June, but had to pull out due to injury. A solid tournament could put Yudhvir back on the radar of the national side.