Shubman Gill to captain North Zone in Duleep Trophy 2025
Shubman Gill North Zone Duleep Trophy 2025 will be a major highlight as India’s young Test captain takes charge in the domestic season opener. Scheduled to begin on August 28 in Bengaluru, the Duleep Trophy marks the beginning of the 2025–26 Indian domestic cricket calendar.
Squad Led by Shubman Gill for North Zone
Gill has been named the captain of a strong North Zone squad that includes several promising players. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, both fresh from the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, are part of the bowling unit. Their inclusion adds significant pace depth, alongside Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi.
Veteran opener Shubham Khajuria and rising star Ayush Badoni will reinforce the batting. Notably, former U-19 captain Yash Dhull and vice-captain Ankit Kumar also made the squad. Kumar had a standout Ranji season, scoring 574 runs at an average close to 59.
Contingency Plans for Asia Cup 2025 Clash
The selectors have prepared for possible overlaps with the Asia Cup 2025, which runs from September 9 to 28. If Shubman Gill North Zone Duleep Trophy 2025 participation is affected due to India selection, Shubham Rohilla will take over as captain. Similarly, Gurnoor Brar and Anuj Thakral will replace Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana respectively.
Zonal Format Returns for Duleep Trophy
This year, the Duleep Trophy reverts to its traditional zonal format. Teams are being selected by zonal committees, unlike last season’s national pool format. North Zone opens their campaign against East Zone on August 28 at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Talent from Across the Region
The North Zone squad features players from Delhi, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and more. Five cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir, including Auqib Nabi, highlight the region’s growing prominence in Indian domestic cricket.
