Duleep Trophy 2025: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Stars Gear Up For Duleep Trophy 2025
Several standout performers from the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy are all set to take the field again – this time in the prestigious Duleep Trophy 2025, which kicks off on August 28 and concludes with the final from September 11 to 15.
While South Zone and West Zone have already booked their semi-final spots, the remaining four zones will battle for the last two places in the knockout stage. Here’s a breakdown of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy players who will be in action in the Duleep Trophy.
Central Zone: Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel (c)
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel will lead the Central Zone side, with a squad featuring notable names like Rajat Patidar, Deepak Chahar, Harsh Dubey, and Khaleel Ahmed. Jurel played the final Test of the England tour, scoring 19 and 34, and also took over wicketkeeping duties in the third and fourth Tests when Rishabh Pant was sidelined with injury.
Joining him is left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who didn’t get a game in England but boasts a superb Test bowling average of 22.16. He’s expected to be Central Zone’s main weapon with the ball, especially against North East Zone in their opening clash.
East Zone: Abhimanyu Easwaran (vc), Akash Deep
Abhimanyu Easwaran, the consistent top-order batter with a domestic average over 45, will serve as vice-captain under Ishan Kishan. While he’s yet to make his Test debut, his calm presence and ability to anchor innings make him a key figure.
Pacer Akash Deep was one of India’s standout performers in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, taking 13 wickets in three Tests, including a stunning six-for at Edgbaston. His accuracy and control will be crucial for East Zone’s chances.
North Zone: Shubman Gill (c), Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Harshit Rana
India’s Test captain Shubman Gill leads the North Zone after a dream series against England, where he topped the charts with 754 runs, including four centuries and a career-best 269. His form will be vital if North Zone are to go all the way.
Left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh returns from injury after missing the England series. Fit and firing, he’ll lead the pace attack.
Anshul Kamboj made his Test debut at Old Trafford, taking one wicket. While he had a quiet start, the Duleep Trophy offers a chance to make a bigger impact.
Harshit Rana, who had a short stint with the national team, will be looking to prove his worth with the ball.
South Zone: Narayan Jagadeesan
Wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan joins South Zone after serving as backup to Jurel in the England series. Known for his reliability with the bat in domestic cricket, he could play a key role in the middle order.
West Zone: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shardul Thakur (c)
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had a fine England tour, amassing 411 runs with two centuries and two fifties. His aggressive strokeplay makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in the competition.
Leading the side will be Shardul Thakur, who may not have set the stage alight in England but brings experience, leadership, and balance to West Zone’s squad, which also includes talents like Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
With a host of national team stars in action, the Duleep Trophy 2025 promises high-quality cricket, fierce rivalries, and a golden opportunity for players to strengthen their case for future India call-ups.