The Duleep Trophy teams are the heartbeat of one of India’s premier domestic cricket tournaments. This competition showcases top talent from across the country, divided into four dynamic squads for 2024-25: India A, B, C, and D. Fans can expect thrilling matches at iconic venues like M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a hub for cricketing excellence.
This guide covers everything about the Duleep Trophy teams, from player rosters to match schedules. Learn about star captains like Shubman Gill and rising talents like Umran Malik. Discover ticketing tips, stadium access, and nearby attractions to plan your match-day experience in Bengaluru.
Explore team strengths, historic records, and local insights for a complete Duleep Trophy experience. Find out how to navigate M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and enjoy Bengaluru’s vibrant culture. This article is your one-stop resource for all things Duleep Trophy.
Key Highlights:
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Overview of the Duleep Trophy’s zonal format and its significance in Indian cricket.
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Detailed breakdown of 2024-25 teams, including captains and key players.
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Match schedules, ticketing options, and venue details for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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Practical tips for stadium access, parking, and nearby hotels, malls, and attractions.
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FAQs addressing ticket prices, seating zones, and public transport options.
Duleep Trophy Teams: Your Ultimate Guide to Teams Schedules and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Experience
The Duleep Trophy, a cornerstone of Indian domestic cricket, brings together the country’s finest talents in a thrilling zonal competition. This comprehensive guide explores the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy teams their star players, match schedules and the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru a key venue for the tournament.
Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast looking to attend a match, book tickets or explore nearby attractions, this article covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience.
From the power-packed West Zone to the dynamic Team C, the Duleep Trophy teams showcase India’s cricketing diversity. You’ll discover detailed squad breakdowns, ticketing tips, and venue highlights alongside practical advice for navigating Bengaluru, including nearby hotels malls and transport options. Dive in to learn why the Duleep Trophy at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is a must-visit for cricket fans.
With a rich history and exciting 2025-26 lineup this guide also offers local insights, such as the best entry gates and nearby eateries, ensuring you make the most of your visit. Read on for a complete breakdown of the tournament, teams, and how to enjoy a match day in Bengaluru.
Key Highlights:
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Overview of the Duleep Trophy and its zonal team structure
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Complete 2024-25 team squads, captains, and key players
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Detailed schedule, ticketing, and venue information for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
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Practical tips for stadium access, parking, and local attractions
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FAQs addressing common fan queries about tickets, seating, and nearby facilities
What is the Duleep Trophy?
The Duleep Trophy, named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji, is one of India’s most prestigious first-class cricket tournaments. It serves as a platform for emerging and established players to showcase their skills, often acting as a stepping stone for national team selection.
The tournament’s zonal format fosters regional pride, with teams like West Zone, South Zone, and Team C competing in intense four-day matches.
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Tournament Format: First-class competition with unlimited overs, distinct from ODIs or T20s.
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Duration: Traditional four-day matches, emphasizing strategy and endurance.
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Significance: A critical stage for players eyeing Indian Premier League (IPL) or international call-ups.
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History: Since its inception in 1961-62, it has produced cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble.
The Duleep Trophy’s blend of tradition and talent makes it a fan favorite, with matches at iconic venues like M. Chinnaswamy Stadium drawing thousands.
Duleep Trophy 2025-26 Teams and Squads
The Duleep Trophy 2025-26 features six zonal teams with the following squads selected by the national selectors:
| Zone | Captain(s) | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Central Zone | Rajat Patidar (c) | Dhruv Jurel (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Danish Malewar |
| East Zone | Riyan Parag (c), Ishan Kishan (c, wk) | Abhimanyu Easwaran, Virat Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Shami |
| North Zone | Ankit Kumar (c), Shubman Gill (c) | Yash Dhull, Ayush Badoni, Arshdeep Singh, Shubham Khajuria |
| North East Zone | Rongsen Jonathan (c), Akash Choudhary (vc) | Jehu Anderson (wk), Karnajit Yumnam, Ashish Thapa |
| South Zone | Tilak Varma (c), Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk, c) | Narayan Jagadeesan (vc), Devdutt Padikkal, R. Sai Kishore |
| West Zone | Shardul Thakur (c) | Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arzan Nagwaswalla |
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The tournament consists of knockout matches starting August 28, 2025, through September 15, 2025.
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South Zone and West Zone get direct entry to semi-finals.
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Central, East, North, and North East Zones compete in quarter-finals.
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Matches are held at BCCI Centre of Excellence grounds in Bengaluru.
Teams Participating in the Duleep Trophy 2025-26
The teams participating in the Duleep Trophy 2025-26 are six zonal teams representing different regions of India:
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Central Zone
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East Zone
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North Zone
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North East Zone
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South Zone
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West Zone
The tournament follows a knockout format where:
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South Zone and West Zone directly qualify for the semi-finals.
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Central Zone, East Zone, North Zone, and North East Zone play in the quarter-finals to enter the semi-finals.
This zonal structure returns for the 2025-26 edition, featuring top domestic players from each region competing for the title.
Full squad list for each zonal team in 2025–26 Duleep Trophy
| Zone | Squad (Playing Members) | Standbys |
|---|---|---|
| Central Zone | Dhruv Jurel (c/wk), Rajat Patidar, Aryan Juyal, Danish Malewar, Sanjeet Desai, Kuldeep Yadav, Aditya Thakare, Deepak Chahar, Saransh Jain, Ayush Pandey, Shubham Sharma, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed | Madhav Kaushik, Yash Thakur, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Mahipal Lomror, Kuldeep Sen, Upendra Yadav |
| North East Zone | Jonathan Rongsen (c), Akash Kumar Choudhary, Techi Doria, Yumnum Karnajit, Sedezhalie Rupero, Ashish Thapa, Hem Bahadur Chetri, Jehu Anderson, Arpit Subash Bhatewara, Pheroijam Jotin Singh, Palzor Tamang, Ankur Malik, Bishworjit Singh Konthoujam, Aryan Borah, Lamabam Ajay Singh | Kamsha Yangfo, Rajkumar Rex Singh, Bobby Zothansanga, Dippu Sangma, Pukhrumbam Prafullomani Singh, Lee Yong Lepcha, Imliwati Lemtur |
Would you like me to also find and add the full squad lists for North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, and West Zone to complete this table for all six zonal teams? This will give you a comprehensive reference for the entire tournament.
The Powerhouses of Indian Domestic Cricket: Leagues and Legacy
The vibrant ecosystem of Indian cricket thrives on a dual structure of prestigious national tournaments and dynamic state-level T20 leagues. While competitions like the Irani Cup and Deodhar Trophy represent the pinnacle of domestic glory testing the skills of established first-class stars the regional premier leagues have emerged as the most exciting talent factories scouting and nurturing future cricketing heroes from the grassroots level.
Leagues like the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Karnataka Premier League (KPL), and Saurashtra Premier League (SPL) have revolutionized the domestic landscape.
They provide a high-pressure, televised platform for local players to showcase their talent alongside international veterans, often acting as a direct feeder system to the IPL and higher national honors, thus strengthening Indian cricket’s depth and reach.
| Tournament/League | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) | A guide to all the franchises in the popular and competitive Tamil Nadu T20 league. | Read More |
| Irani Cup | Information about the teams that play in this prestigious first-class fixture. | Read More |
| Deodhar Trophy | Insights into the zonal teams featuring in this prestigious 50-over competition. | Read More |
| Saurashtra Premier League (SPL) | A guide to the teams in this exciting state-level T20 league from Saurashtra. | Read More |
| Karnataka Premier League (KPL) | Details on the teams competing in the high-quality Karnataka-based T20 league. | Read More |
2024-25 Duleep Trophy Schedule and Ticketing at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
The 2024-25 Duleep Trophy schedule features thrilling matches across India, with Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as a highlight venue. Below is the schedule for key matches:
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Overview | The 2025-26 Duleep Trophy will be held in Bengaluru from August 28 to September 15, 2025. Matches will take place mainly at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) grounds. The tournament follows a knockout format. Notably, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is not a primary venue for this season. |
| Key Dates & Venues | – Quarter-finals: August 28–31, 2025 – BCCI COE Ground 1 & 2, Bengaluru. – Semi-finals: September 4–7, 2025 – BCCI COE Ground 1 & 2, Bengaluru. – Final: September 11–15, 2025 – BCCI COE Ground 1, Bengaluru. |
| Teams Involved | – Six Zonal Teams: North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, North East Zone. – Direct Semi-final Entry: South Zone and West Zone (2023 finalists). – Quarter-finals: North Zone vs East Zone, Central Zone vs North East Zone. |
| Ticketing for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | – No Duleep Trophy matches will be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2025-26. – Therefore, ticketing for this stadium is not applicable for this tournament. – Generally, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium tickets for other domestic or international matches are available through BCCI’s official portals or authorized sellers. |
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Ticket Booking: Available on platforms like BookMyShow and the official BCCI website (bcci.tv).
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Tips for Fans: Book early for premium seating at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, as general stands sell out quickly. Arrive 90 minutes early to avoid entry gate crowds at Gate 1 or 2.
For a full schedule in PDF, visit Cricbuzz or the BCCI website.
Spotlight: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Experience
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, located in the heart of Bengaluru, is a historic venue known for its electric atmosphere. Home to memorable Duleep Trophy moments, it has hosted iconic matches, including Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in 1999.
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Capacity: 40,000 spectators, with excellent views from all stands.
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Seating Zones: Premium Pavilion (₹500), Grandstand (₹300), and General Stands (₹100).
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Memorable Moment: West Zone’s thrilling chase of 350 runs in the 2018 Duleep Trophy semi-final.
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Fan Tip: The B Stand offers the best view of the pitch for budget-conscious fans.
The stadium’s modern facilities, including clean restrooms and food stalls, ensure a comfortable experience for fans.
Nearby Facilities and Local Insights for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Planning to attend a match? Here’s everything you need to know about navigating Bengaluru and enjoying your visit to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Nearby Hotels
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Taj West End (5-star, 1.2 km, ~5-min drive): Offers luxury rooms, a spa, and complimentary breakfast. Price range: ₹8,000–₹15,000 per night.
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The Oberoi Bengaluru (5-star, 0.8 km, ~3-min drive): Known for its serene ambiance and fine dining. Price range: ₹9,000–₹18,000 per night.
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Hyatt Centric MG Road (4-star, 1.5 km, ~7-min drive): Features modern amenities and rooftop dining. Price range: ₹6,000–₹12,000 per night.
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Ibis Bengaluru City Centre (3-star, 2 km, ~10-min drive): Budget-friendly with free Wi-Fi and parking. Price range: ₹3,500–₹7,000 per night.
Nearby Malls
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UB City Mall (1.5 km, ~7-min drive): A luxury shopping destination with brands like Louis Vuitton and a vibrant food court featuring Café Noir and Toscano.
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Mantri Square Mall (3 km, ~12-min drive): Offers budget-friendly shopping, a multiplex, and dining options like Social and Barbeque Nation.
Nearest Railway Station
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Bangalore City Railway Station (5 km, ~15-min drive): Easily accessible via taxi or auto-rickshaw (₹100–₹150). Pre-book cabs through Ola or Uber for convenience.
Nearest Metro/Bus Stop
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Cubbon Park Metro Station (0.5 km, ~5-min walk): On the Purple Line, it’s the closest metro stop. Exit at Platform 2 and walk via Queen’s Road.
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Shivajinagar Bus Stand (1 km, ~7-min walk): Frequent buses to MG Road and other city hubs. Tickets cost ₹10–₹20.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
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Cubbon Park (0.5 km, ~5-min walk): A lush green space perfect for a pre-match stroll, with walking trails and historic statues.
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Vidhana Soudha (1 km, ~7-min walk): Bengaluru’s iconic legislative building, open for guided tours on weekends.
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Lalbagh Botanical Garden (4 km, ~15-min drive): A serene retreat with a glasshouse and seasonal flower shows.
Stadium Access and Entry Tips
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Parking: Limited parking available at ₹50–₹100 per vehicle. Arrive early to secure a spot near Gate 3.
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Best Entry Gates: Use Gate 4 or 5 for faster entry, as Gate 1 gets crowded.
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Local Hacks: Grab a quick meal at nearby CTR (Central Tiffin Room, 2 km) for authentic dosas or Vidyarthi Bhavan (3 km) for crispy masala dosas.
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Prohibited Items: Avoid bringing water bottles, cameras, or large bags to speed up security checks.
Duleep Trophy Format Changes Over the Years
The Duleep Trophy’s format has evolved significantly since 1961-62. Traditionally a zonal competition, it has seen shifts to ensure fairness and competitiveness:
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1961–2002: Featured five to six zonal teams (North, South, East, West, Central, and later North East).
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2002-03: Briefly used Ranji Trophy group-based teams.
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2016–20: Experimented with three teams (Blue, Green, Red) selected by the BCCI.
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2022-23: Returned to a six-team zonal format.
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2024-25: Shifted to four teams (India A, B, C, D), but will revert to zonal teams in 2025-26 due to state unit feedback.
These changes reflect the BCCI’s efforts to balance tradition with modern demands, ensuring opportunities for diverse talent.
Stats and Records of Duleep Trophy Teams
The Duleep Trophy is a treasure trove of cricketing feats. Below are key records:
|
Category |
Record Holder |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Most Titles |
North Zone |
18 championships |
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Highest Individual Score |
Sunil Gavaskar |
360 runs |
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Best Bowling Figures |
Anil Kumble |
10/74 |
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Most Wins (2020s) |
West Zone |
Highest win percentage |
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Historic Feat: West Zone’s dominant run in the 1980s, winning five consecutive titles.
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Recent Trends: South Zone’s resurgence in the 2020s, with consistent semi-final appearances.
These stats highlight why the Duleep Trophy remains a premier domestic tournament.
FAQs
1. Where can I buy tickets for Duleep Trophy matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
Tickets are available on BookMyShow and BCCI’s official website. Prices range from ₹100 for general stands to ₹500 for premium seating. Book early for high-demand matches.
2. What are the best seating zones at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
The B Stand offers great pitch views at budget prices (₹100–₹200), while the Premium Pavilion (₹500) provides a premium experience with shaded seating. Arrive early to secure the best spots.
3. Is parking available at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
Yes, limited parking is available near Gate 3 for ₹50–₹100 per vehicle. Arrive 90 minutes early to secure a spot, or use public transport like the Cubbon Park Metro to avoid parking hassles.
4. What are some good restaurants near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
CTR (Central Tiffin Room, 2 km) is famous for its butter dosas, while Vidyarthi Bhavan (3 km) serves crispy masala dosas. For a quick bite, try the food stalls at UB City Mall’s food court (1.5 km).
5. How can I reach M. Chinnaswamy Stadium via public transport?
Take the Purple Line to Cubbon Park Metro Station (0.5 km, ~5-min walk) or a bus to Shivajinagar Bus Stand (1 km, ~7-min walk). Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also widely available.
Conclusion
The Duleep Trophy teams from the star-studded India A to the unpredictable India C, bring unmatched excitement to India’s domestic cricket scene. With matches at iconic venues like M. Chinnaswamy Stadium fans can enjoy thrilling cricket alongside Bengaluru’s vibrant culture. Plan your visit book tickets early and explore nearby attractions share this guide with fellow fans and check out more cricket content on Cricbuzz or BCCI!