Duleep Trophy 2025-26: 5 Batters to watch out for in the tournament

Test cricket's zonal flagship, the Duleep Trophy, is back in its classic inter-zonal guise this August in Bengaluru. The tournament usually discovers batters who can guide large scores or hunt down totals in pressure situations. In a knockout system where error has no margin, the performances from these batters may well determine if their zones lift the Duleep Trophy or leave early. 

And for every player, one such tournament could be the stepping stone towards India's Test or ODI team. Below are five batsmen, distributed among the six zones, whose recent performances and technical skills make them a must-pick in 2025-26.

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (West Zone)

Jaiswal left Mumbai for Goa before 2025–26, but he hasn't as yet played for Goa in the Ranji Trophy and made a U-turn to come back for Mumbai. In 10 first-class games for Mumbai, he amassed 863 runs at 53.93, with four centuries and two fifties, a testament to his versatility across pitches. 

In his overall first-class career so far, he's scored 4113 runs at 56.34, with 14 tons and 15 half-centuries. These are figures no opening batter in India's domestic circuit can afford to overlook. His capacity for batting time in challenging weather and upping the pace while the bowlers lose steam makes him a true strike-ace opener for the West Zone. 

2. Tilak Varma (South Zone)

Appointed South Zone's captain, Varma's attacking, timing and composed control at No. 3 is exactly what was needed. In 22 first-class games, he has scored 1562 runs at 52.06 with seven centuries and five half-centuries.

It is evident that he has the ability to grind out innings and change gears when required. His highest of 121 was against tough Ranji conditions, and his part-time off-spin provides the tactical bite. As a captain, he has an understanding of when to rotate strike and when to go hard at loose balls, aspects South Zone will rely on during close chases. His poise and shot sense will be paramount to South Zone's charge directly into the final. 

3. Ishan Kishan (East Zone)

Appointed East Zone captain, wicket-batter Kishan adds a fiery touch to the middle order. In English county cricket this summer, he scored two half-centuries for Nottinghamshire, quickly getting used to seaming conditions. 

Kishan's pull-hook game is one of the strongest within India's domestic circuit, and his presence enables East Zone to counter-attack during run-chases. As a captain, he's also demonstrated capable handling of bowlers, i.e., he'll know when to rotate strike and when to accelerate the rate with boundaries. 

4. Shreyas Iyer (West Zone) 

Back as one of West Zone's three Mumbai stalwarts, Iyer adds experience and a steady hand in the middle order. He has scored more than 6,363 first-class runs at an average of more than 48, combining disciplined defence with sharp drives.

Iyer's cover drive is still one of the loveliest in domestic cricket, and his ability to pace innings, ratcheting up rotation or pace according to the situation, will be crucial in knockout tournaments when pressure to accelerate run rate can turn the needle. 

5. Sarfaraz Khan (West Zone) 

Another West Zone selection, Sarfaraz has established himself as one of the nation's best pure technicians. In his first-class career to date, he has played more than 83 innings in 55 matches and has scored more than 4685 runs with an incredible average of 65.98, highlighting his ability to grind long innings.

His straight-bat hitting and mid-wicket punch make him difficult to catch on slow tracks, and he's frequently produced match-winning scores when other batsmen have perished. Look for Sarfaraz to hold West Zone's top order together.

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