The 2026 Duleep Trophy commenced on August 23, marking a key milestone in India’s domestic cricket calendar. This prestigious first-class tournament features six zonal teams competing in a knockout format, with initial matches held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before concluding in Chennai.
Spanning August 23 to September 10, the event serves as a crucial platform for both established stars and emerging talents. With a mix of familiar and new names, the tournament is anticipated to draw significant interest from cricket enthusiasts across India.
Experienced Stars and Young Prospects in the Spotlight
The Central Zone will be captained by Rajat Patidar, supported by vice-captain Rinku Singh. Defending champions include Yash Thakur as they aim to retain their title.
The East Zone is led by Ishan Kishan, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi as vice-captain. The squad blends youth and experience, featuring seasoned players like Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar.
The West Zone is captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Shams Mulani as deputy. Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur bring depth, while Sarfaraz Khan is set to join for the semifinal after Test duties.
The South Zone is guided by Tilak Varma, with Ricky Bhui as vice-captain. The team boasts a strong middle order, including Karun Nair and R Smaran.
North Zone has appointed wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan as captain. The squad includes Jammu & Kashmir players alongside Arshdeep Singh and Ayush Badoni. The North East Zone, led by Rongsen Jonathan, aims to challenge traditionally dominant regions.
Duleep Trophy Schedule
DateMatchVenueTimeAugust 23, 20261st Quarter-final: East Zone vs North East ZoneBCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2, Bengaluru9:30 AM ISTAugust 23, 20262nd Quarter-final: North Zone vs West ZoneBCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru9:30 AM ISTAugust 30, 20261st Semi-final: Central Zone vs TBCBCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru9:30 AM ISTAugust 30, 20262nd Semi-final: South Zone vs TBCBCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2, Bengaluru9:30 AM ISTSeptember 6, 2026Final: TBC vs TBCM. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai9:30 AM IST
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
JioHotstar will provide live streaming via its app and website, while television coverage will be available on the Star Sports Network.
