Dhruv Jurel to lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2025-26; Rajat Patidar included subject to fitness | Cricket News – Times of India

India’s Dhruv Jurel (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Dhruv Jurel has been appointed as captain of the Central Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025-26 season, as introduced on August 7, 2025. The wicketkeeper-batter, who lately performed for India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, will lead a 15-member squad that features notable gamers like IPL successful-captain Rajat Patidar and left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The Central Zone choice committee has named a robust squad combining skilled gamers with rising expertise. Rajat Patidar’s inclusion in the workforce comes with a situation, as he wants to get hold of fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence earlier than taking part in the event. Jurel’s appointment as captain follows his spectacular performances throughout India A’s tour to England, regardless of not that includes in the Ranji Trophy final season. His latest worldwide publicity and management qualities have earned him the accountability of main the Central Zone workforce. The squad announcement has attracted consideration due to some notable exclusions. Karun Nair, who had an distinctive Ranji Trophy season with Vidarbha scoring 863 runs, has been not noted of the workforce regardless of his latest India name-up.

The 15-member squad includes a balanced combine of batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders. The batting division consists of gamers like Aryan Juyal, Danish Malewar, and Sanchit Desai, whereas the bowling assault is strengthened by the presence of skilled campaigners like Deepak Chahar and Khaleel Ahmed. The choice committee has additionally named six gamers as standbys for the squad. These embrace Madhav Kaushik, Yash Thakur, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Mahipal Lomror, Kuldeep Sen, and Upendra Yadav, who will be referred to as upon if required.

The full Central Zone squad contains Dhruv Jurel (captain/wicketkeeper), Rajat Patidar (subject to fitness clearance), Aryan Juyal, Danish Malewar, Sanchit Desai, Kuldeep Yadav, Aditya Thakare, Deepak Chahar, Saransh Jain, Ayush Pandey, Shubham Sharma, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, and Khaleel Ahmed. This announcement follows the naming of Shubman Gill because the captain of North Zone earlier on the identical day, because the preparations for the Duleep Trophy 2025-26 start to take form. The event serves as a prestigious home cricket competitors in India, that includes groups from totally different zones competing towards one another.