Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead West Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026

Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed captain of the West Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026. Shams Mulani will serve as the vice-captain of the 15-member squad, which was announced on July 20 following a meeting of the selection committee chaired by Mumbai chief selector Rajesh Pawar.

Gaikwad, who recently led the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, continues to earn leadership responsibilities at the domestic level. He also served as the vice-captain of the India A side during the recent tri-series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. His appointment reflects the selectors' confidence in his leadership and consistent performances.

The Duleep Trophy 2026-27 will be played at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru from August 23 to September 10. The tournament will continue in its traditional zonal format, with five matches scheduled, including the final. West Zone will begin its campaign against North Zone in Quarterfinal 2, which will be played from August 23 to 26. The final is scheduled to take place from September 6 to 10 at CoE Ground 1.

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West Zone boasts a balanced squad featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talent. The batting unit includes Prithvi Shaw, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivalik Sharma, Jaymeet Patel and Siddharth Desai alongside skipper Gaikwad.

Behind the stumps, the team has two wicketkeeping options in Saurashtra's Harvik Desai and Gujarat's Urvil Patel. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by experienced pacer Shardul Thakur, alongside Mukesh Chaudhary, Tushar Deshpande and Atit Sheth. Meanwhile, vice-captain Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian will lead the spin department, giving West Zone a well-rounded attack as they aim to make a strong start to their Duleep Trophy campaign..

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Shams Mulani (VC, Prithvi Shaw, Harvik Desai (WK), Urvil Patel (WK), Shivalik Sharma, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Jaymeet Patel, Siddharth Desai, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Shardul Thakur, Atit Seth, Mukesh Chaudhary