Rajat Patidar Appointed Central Zone Captain for 2026-27 Duleep Trophy
Rajat Patidar has been named captain of the Central Zone squad for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, with Rinku Singh selected as vice-captain. The selection committee announced the team on August 1, 2026, ahead of the tournament’s official start on August 23. Central Zone will enter the upcoming season as defending champions.
What Happened
Central Zone head into the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy edition seeking to defend the title they won by defeating South Zone in the 2025-26 final. Rajat Patidar was instrumental in Central Zone’s successful campaign last season, finishing as the overall leading run-scorer with 382 runs, which included a century in the final match. Central Zone will open their campaign directly in the semi-final stage, scheduled to begin on August 30, 2026, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Key Highlights
- Rajat Patidar appointed captain of Central Zone, with Rinku Singh named vice-captain.
- Squad announced on August 1, 2026, for the tournament beginning August 23.
- Central Zone start their campaign in the semi-finals on August 30 in Bengaluru as defending champions.
- Saransh Jain named in the squad despite a maiden Test call-up for India’s tour to Sri Lanka ending August 27.
- Inclusions feature top domestic performers like Aman Mokhade and 26-year-old UP wrist-spinner Zeeshan Ansari.
Why This Matters
The appointment highlights Central Zone’s reliance on Patidar’s leadership and form following his tournament-topping 382 runs in the 2025-26 season. The squad selection also reflects impressive domestic form, notably including Aman Mokhade, who scored 760 runs in 11 Ranji Trophy innings last season. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh wrist-spinner Zeeshan Ansari returns to top-level regional cricket. Ansari, who last played First-Class cricket six years ago, served as a net bowler for India’s home Test against Afghanistan in June 2026 and featured in India A’s unofficial Test tour to Sri Lanka.
What to Watch Next
Attention will be focused on the availability of all-rounder Saransh Jain. Jain received his maiden Test call-up for India’s upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, which concludes on August 27, 2026. Because Central Zone’s semi-final match begins on August 30, there is a narrow window between his international commitments and regional duties. His participation in the early stages of the tournament will depend on exact release timelines and scheduling from international duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading Central Zone in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy?
Rajat Patidar will captain Central Zone, with Rinku Singh serving as the vice-captain for the tournament.
When and where does Central Zone play their first match?
Central Zone will begin their campaign in the semi-final on August 30, 2026, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Who are the members of the main Central Zone squad?
The main squad consists of Rajat Patidar (captain), Rinku Singh (vice-captain), Aryan Juyal (wk), Saransh Jain, Aman Mokhade, Kunal Chandela, Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Pandey, Arshad Khan, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Kunal Singh Rathod (wk), Yash Thakur, and Nachiket Bhute.
Source: CricTracker