The Indian domestic season for the 2025/26 season is set to begin from August 28, where six zonal teams will compete in the Duleep Trophy
Dhurv Jurel, who was part of the Indian squad in the five-match series against England, has been named as the captain of the Central Zone, while IPL-winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar has been sidelined.
Patidar, who represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, has been named in the squad, although his participation is subject to clearance from the Centre of Excellence.
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Among senior Indian players, ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been included in the Duleep Trophy roster, however, Karun Nair misses out despite returning to the Indian national team after nine years in the England tour.
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Rajat Patidar snubbed as Dhruv Jurel to lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2025
Jurel assumed wicket-keeping duties in the third and fourth Test matches after Rishabh Pant picked up injuries in both games
The knock in the fourth Test was serious as Pant was ruled out of the final Test, which opened the door for Jurel in the starting lineup.
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At the Oval, Jurel scored 19 in the first innings and added another 34 in the second. His knock in the second innings proved crucial as India posted 396 runs and led by 373. The innings was crucial as India eventually won by a margin of just six runs to draw the series 2-2.
Central Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2025
Dhruv Jurel (c/wk), Rajat Patidar, Aryan Juyal, Danish Malewar, Sanchit Desai, Kuldeep Yadav, Aditya Thakare, Deepak Chahar, Saransh Jain, Ayush Pandey, Shubham Sharma, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed.
Standbys: Madhav Kaushik, Yash Thakur, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Mahipal Lomror, Kuldeep Sen, Upendra Yadav.
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