India’s Test captain Shubman Gill is ready to spearhead 15-member North Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which begins on August 28 in Bengaluru. However, his inclusion as skipper in the domestic tournament does not rule him out of the Asia Cup, which is to begin from September 9 to 28.
The selection committee for the North Zone has clarified that if any of the selected players, including Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, or Harshit Rana, are picked for the Indian squad for the Asia Cup, they will be replaced accordingly. In such a scenario, Subham Rohilla (Services), Gurnoor Brar (Punjab), and Anuj Thakral (Haryana) have been designated as direct replacements for Gill, Arshdeep, and Rana, respectively.
This flexible approach ensures that players remain available for national duties while still contributing to domestic competitions. The inclusion of standby players reflects the selectors’ preparedness to maintain balance and continuity in the squad, should any changes be required.
In addition to the 15-member squad, the North Zone selectors have also named seven standby players who could be drafted in if necessary. This move highlights a broader talent pool and provides backup options for each role in the team.
The Duleep Trophy this season returns to its traditional zonal format, where teams are composed based on geographical regions. Selectors from each region are responsible for picking their squads. This format aims to reignite regional rivalries and provide a platform for domestic players to perform at a higher competitive level.
South Zone enters the tournament as the defending champions, having clinched the title in the 2023–24 season. With the return to the zonal format, the stakes are higher, and competition is expected to be intense across the board.
North Zone’s squad features a mix of experience and youth. Shubman Gill will lead from the front, bringing international exposure and leadership. The vice-captain, Ankit Kumar, along with players like YashDhull, AyushBadoni, and AnkitKalsi, adds depth and firepower to the batting unit. The all-round department includes promising names like NishantSindhu and MayankDagar, while the bowling attack will be led by Harshit Rana and Yudhvir Singh Charak.
The wicketkeeping responsibilities will be handled by KanahaiyaWadhwana. The squad selection reflects a well-rounded combination of batting, bowling, and all-round strength, indicating North Zone’s intent to make a strong push for the title.
North Zone Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), ShubhamKhajuria, Ankit Kumar (Vice-captain), AyushBadoni, YashDhull, AnkitKalsi, NishantSindhu, SahilLotra, MayankDagar, Yudhvir Singh Charak, HarshitRana, AnshulKamboj, KanahaiyaWadhwana (Wicketkeeper). As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how Shubman Gill and his team fare in the prestigious domestic event — while also keeping watch on the Asia Cup team announcement, which could change the composition of the squad at the last moment.
