The Duleep Trophy 2026 commenced on August 23, 2026, with two quarter‑finals taking place concurrently at separate venues within the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. East Zone faced North East Zone on Ground 2, while North Zone squared off against West Zone on Ground 1.
Early performances have allowed several batsmen to stake their claim for a spot in India’s Test lineup. Three players, in particular, have stood out with their contributions across the two quarter‑finals.
Three Contenders for India’s Test Squad After the Duleep Trophy 2026
3. Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed is a batting all‑rounder hailing from Bengal, representing East Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy. In the opening quarter‑final against North East Zone, he delivered an impressive all‑round performance that is hard to ignore at the national selection level.
During that match, Shahbaz amassed 167 runs off 244 balls and claimed three wickets with his left‑arm spin. Such a dual‑contribution makes him an attractive prospect for India’s Test side, which continually seeks all‑round depth. Observers of his IPL exploits know he is also an exceptional fielder.