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

In a four-day competition, successes usually follow bowlers with the capability to capitalise on small margins, an extra bounce, subtle drift, or change of pace. The zonal nature of this tournament brings out the maximum amount of seam movement, spin variation and stamina through the steadiest of spells. With the Duleep Trophy coming back in its zonal format in 2025-26, keep an eye out for these five bowlers. Their recent performances in domestic and Duleep matches indicate they will be the ones who will turn games around.

1. Mohammad Shami (East Zone)

After a long injury layoff, Shami’s return in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy reminded everyone why he’s India’s premier fast bowler. In his comeback outing for Bengal, he claimed 4/54 against Madhya Pradesh, then followed up with a six-wicket haul in another match. Shami's new-ball swing and reverse-swing at speed make him a "kill ball" few can face even on apparently innocuous wickets. 

East Zone is sure to open him early, hoping his experience wakes soft dismissals and inadequately prepared batsmen into mistakes. He will surely be a bowler whom you cannot take your eyes off. 

2. Mukesh Kumar (East Zone)

Mukesh has developed into one of India's most consistent pacers in recent seasons. During the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy, he claimed 15 wickets in six innings at 28.60, the second-highest in the wicket-takers list for the tournament, with a best effort of 4/98. 

His 6'0″ height and high-arm action generate awkward bounce, while his cleverly camouflaged slower ball keeps batters alert till deep into the fourth innings. Mukesh's solidity of lines and endurance across long spells make him difficult to negotiate, particularly when pitches begin to lose their bite towards the end of the game. 

3. Akash Deep (South Zone) 

Don't be fooled by Akash Deep's limited Duleep appearances because his strike rate is simply sensational. In two games in the previous season, he took nine wickets at 12.88, including his best figure of 5/56. 

Deep will be South Zone's go-to man for early wickets and curtailing runs during the middle overs. His latter-day variation of tempo, combined with earlier first-class experience at a high level, is an X-factor for South Zone's bowling attack. 

4. R Sai Kishore (South Zone) 

Sai Kishore's left-arm spin has troubled batsmen across all formats. His ability to hold out from right-handers and turn back in sharply to left-handers makes him a twin threat.

As the senior spinner of South Zone, Kishore will be important on flat tracks—employing subtle variations in pace to induce errors and create his catching field. He has progressed steadily this year, and it could be the year that sets him among the country's finest spinners. 

5. Shams Mulani (West Zone) 

West Zone has firepower, but the control and consistency of Mulani are the most impressive. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, he had 44 wickets in 18 innings at an average of 23.52, often bowling through entire sessions to suffocate scoring chances. His flighted left-arm orthodox and quicker arm-balls are bowled at different speeds, leaving the batter struggling to get in a rhythm.

On turning tracks, watch Mulani load heavy coffers and hunt the dogged breakthroughs that win close matches. Not only this, he also contributes to the cause of the team with his batting, as seen in his run aggregate of 365 in the previous Ranji season with a century and two fifty-fifty scores.

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