Shardul Thakur Named West Zone Captain for Duleep Trophy 2025
Shardul Thakur named West Zone captain is the headline that has created a buzz in India’s domestic cricket circuit. As preparations gear up for the prestigious Duleep Trophy 2025, the West Zone Selection Committee has announced a strong and balanced 15-member squad, with experienced pacer Shardul Thakur taking the reins as captain. The announcement was made after a key selection meeting held at the MCA’s Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai, on August 1.
The West Zone team represents a mix of promising young talent and seasoned domestic performers, drawn from Mumbai, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Saurashtra. The selection indicates a focus on dynamic, match-winning players who can step up under pressure.
West Zone Squad Details
The West Zone selection committee, chaired by Sanjay Patil of the Mumbai Cricket Association, finalized the squad with key inputs from selectors of all the state units in the zone. Thakur, a proven performer in domestic and international cricket, was chosen as captain due to his vast experience, leadership qualities, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Key Players in the Squad:
- From Mumbai: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan
- From Maharashtra: Ruturaj Gaikwad
- From Gujarat and Saurashtra: Contributions include Arzan Nagwaswala, Dharmendra Jadeja, and others
The West Zone squad also features exciting talents like Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, and Manan Hingrajia. These players have consistently performed in the Ranji Trophy and domestic white-ball competitions.
Surprising Omissions: Former Indian Test veterans Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have not been included in the squad. Their exclusion may be part of a larger plan to focus on youth and current domestic form.
Standby Players List: Seven standby players have also been named to ensure injury backups and form replacements:
- Mahesh Pithiya
- Shivalik Sharma
- Mukesh Chaudhary
- Siddharth Desai
- Chintan Gaja
- Musheer Khan
- Urvil Patel
Duleep Trophy 2025 Schedule
The Duleep Trophy begins on August 28, 2025, with two quarterfinal matches. West Zone, being one of the top-seeded teams, will join the competition directly in the semifinal starting September 4. The final match will take place from September 11, with all fixtures scheduled at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
East Zone Captaincy: Ishan Kishan
In another major announcement, Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the captain of East Zone. The explosive left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman brings both experience and aggression to the leadership role.
Vice-Captain: Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent red-ball performer, will serve as his deputy.
East Zone Highlights:
- The team includes senior pacer Mohammed Shami, and rising stars Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Suraj Jaiswal.
- Five players from Bengal have made the main squad, showcasing the state’s growing depth in talent.
- Standby Player: Sudip Kumar Gharami
Why Shardul Thakur and Ishan Kishan?
Shardul Thakur named West Zone captain reflects the faith selectors have in his tactical skills and fighting spirit. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a key asset. Shardul has played crucial roles for India in Tests and ODIs and is a seasoned performer in domestic cricket. Shardul Thakur
Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, is an attacking player who has shown leadership in white-ball cricket and has the flair to inspire young cricketers. His recent performances in IPL and for India make him an ideal leader for the East Zone side. Shardul Thakur
Why This Duleep Trophy Matters
The Duleep Trophy is one of India’s oldest and most respected first-class tournaments. It acts as a stepping stone to the national team, especially for players on the fringes of India selection. Shardul Thakur
- Selectors closely monitor performances in this tournament. Shardul Thakur
- With the World Test Championship cycle ongoing, standout players can earn India call-ups.
- Youngsters get to share dressing rooms with internationals like Thakur and Shami.
Complete West Zone Squad:
- Shardul Thakur (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Aarya Desai
- Harvik Desai
- Shreyas Iyer
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Jaymeet Patel
- Manan Hingrajia
- Saurabh Nawale
- Shams Mulani
- Tanush Kotian
- Dharmendra Jadeja
- Tushar Deshpande
- Arzan Nagwaswala
Standby Players:
- Mahesh Pithiya
- Shivalik Sharma
- Mukesh Chaudhary
- Siddharth Desai
- Chintan Gaja
- Musheer Khan
- Urvil Patel
East Zone Squad Highlights:
- Ishan Kishan (Captain & WK)
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC)
- Sandeep Pattnaik
- Virat Singh
- Denish Das
- Sridam Paul
- Sharandeep Singh
- Kumar Kushagra (WK)
- Riyan Parag
- Utkarsh Singh
- Manishi
- Suraj Jaiswal
- Mukesh Kumar
- Akash Deep
- Mohammed Shami
Standby: Sudip Kumar Gharami
Duleep Trophy 2025 Key Dates
- Quarterfinals: August 28
- Semifinals (West Zone debut): September 4
- Final Match: September 11
- Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
What to Watch For
- Can Shardul Thakur inspire West Zone to a title?
- Will Ishan Kishan’s aggressive leadership lead East Zone to the final?
- How do rising stars like Sarfaraz Khan, Riyan Parag, and Akash Deep perform under pressure?
The 2025 Duleep Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest, and with Shardul Thakur named West Zone captain, fans can expect smart strategies, aggressive cricket, and a high-stakes pathway to national glory.
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