North Zone Names 15-Member Squad for 2026-27 Duleep Trophy

North Zone has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming 2026-27 Duleep Trophy tournament, which is scheduled to commence on August 23. Jammu and Kashmir wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan has been appointed captain of the side, with Delhi’s Ayush Badoni named as his deputy.

What Happened

The selectors have finalised the North Zone roster ahead of the red-ball tournament starting on August 23. The team includes prominent international player Arshdeep Singh alongside Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj. Arshdeep, a white-ball specialist at the international level, was part of India’s Test squad for the 2025 England tour, though a combination of injury and selection considerations prevented him from playing a red-ball match. Anshul Kamboj has similarly been in and around the Test setup without establishing a regular spot.

Following their successful Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign, Jammu and Kashmir received the largest representation in the squad, with six players selected. Delhi features four players in the 15-member list. Meanwhile, veteran 41-year-old Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra was not considered for selection, as selectors viewed the Duleep Trophy as a platform for players pushing for national team recognition. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi was unavailable for selection due to current national duty commitments.

Key Highlights

• Leadership Duo: Jammu and Kashmir wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan will captain the team, with Delhi’s Ayush Badoni serving as vice-captain.
• J&K Representation: Six players from Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy title-winning team have been included: Kanhaiya Wadhawan, Qamran Iqbal, Abdul Samad, Abid Mushtaq, Sunil Kumar, and Yudhvir Singh.
• Delhi Quarter: Delhi contributes four players to the squad, including vice-captain Ayush Badoni, opener Sanat Sangwan, former Delhi captain Yash Dhull, and middle-order batter Ayush Doseja.
• Bowling & All-Round Setup: The pace attack features Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Sunil Kumar, and Yudhvir Singh. The spin and all-round options include India A regular Nishant Sindhu, left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq, and Arjun Sharma, with Nikhil Kashyap completing the group.
• Notables Absent: Veteran Paras Dogra was left out due to the tournament’s focus on national selection prospects, while Auqib Nabi remains unavailable on national duty.
• Full 15-Member Squad: Kanhaiya Wadhawan (capt, wk), Sanat Sangwan, Qamran Iqbal, Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni (vice-capt), Nishant Sindhu, Arjun Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Arshdeep Singh, Sunil Kumar, Anshul Kamboj, Yudhvir Singh, and Nikhil Kashyap.

Why This Matters

The selections demonstrate direct rewards for domestic achievements, specifically Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy victory. Additionally, the tournament serves as a key platform for players like Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj to showcase their red-ball abilities while aiming for higher national recognition.

What to Watch Next

The North Zone squad will begin their campaign when the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy starts on August 23.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is leading North Zone in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy?

Jammu and Kashmir wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan has been named captain, while Delhi’s Ayush Badoni will serve as vice-captain.

Why were six Jammu and Kashmir players included in the squad?

The selectors rewarded Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign by selecting six of their players, giving them the highest representation among all state associations in the squad.

Why was veteran Paras Dogra not selected?

At 41 years of age, veteran Paras Dogra was not considered because the Duleep Trophy is intended to serve as a stage for cricketers actively seeking national team selection.

Source: CricTracker