The Central Zone selection committee has announced a strong squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025, which marks the beginning of India’s 2025-26 domestic cricket season. Rajasthan Royals star and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has been handed the captaincy in a major sign of faith from the selectors.
The squad features a potent mix of international stars and in-form domestic performers, including star left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who is set to make his competitive return. With the tournament returning to its traditional zonal format, the Central Zone has assembled a team that looks balanced and capable of challenging for the title.
Who Will Captain the Central Zone Team?
Dhruv Jurel has been appointed captain of the Central Zone team for the Duleep Trophy 2025, with experienced Madhya Pradesh batsman Rajat Patidar named as his deputy.
Jurel’s appointment comes on the back of a breakout international season. The wicketkeeper batter stepped up for India in the absence of Rishabh Pant during the recent five-match Test series against England, playing crucial innings at The Oval to help India level the series 2-2.
How Does the Central Zone’s Bowling Attack Look?
The Central Zone squad boasts a formidable and varied bowling lineup, featuring a three-pronged left-arm spin attack and a pace battery led by two India internationals.
Kuldeep Yadav to Lead the Spin Department
After spending the entire Test series in England on the bench, Kuldeep Yadav will spearhead the Central Zone’s spin attack. He will be joined by two standout performers from the last Ranji Trophy season:
- Harsh Dubey: The Vidarbha left-arm spinner, who made history by taking a record 69 wickets in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season.
- Manav Suthar: The talented left-arm spinner from Rajasthan adds further depth and variety.
Khaleel Ahmed and Deepak Chahar to Spearhead the Pace Attack
The pace attack will be led by Khaleel Ahmed, who recently returned from a county stint with Essex. He is joined by fellow India international Deepak Chahar. The 33-year-old swing specialist has recovered from the injury that saw him miss a couple of games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 and will be keen to make an impact.
What is the Full Central Zone Squad for the Duleep Trophy 2025?
Coached by Usman Ghani, who guided Vidarbha to their recent Ranji Trophy title, the Central Zone has a well-rounded team. The batting lineup is bolstered by Yash Rathod, the top run-scorer in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy with 960 runs, and consistent performers like Uttar Pradesh captain Aryan Juyal.
Here is the complete squad list:
Central Zone Main Squad:
- Dhruv Jurel (Captain/Wicketkeeper)
- Rajat Patidar (Vice-captain)
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Deepak Chahar
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Aryan Juyal
- Danish Malewar
- Sanjeet Desai
- Aditya Thakare
- Saransh Jain
- Ayush Pandey
- Shubham Sharma
- Yash Rathod
- Harsh Dubey
- Manav Suthar
Stand-by Players:
- Madhav Kaushik
- Yash Thakur
- Upendra Yadav
- Yuvraj Chaudhary
- Mahipal Lomror
- Kuldeep Sen
Central Zone will begin their Duleep Trophy campaign against Northeast Zone in a quarterfinal match on August 28, 2025, at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
