Duleep Trophy Teams 2025-26: Squads Captains Schedule Guide

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:

  • Overview of the Duleep Trophy’s zonal format and its significance in Indian cricket.

  • Detailed breakdown of 2024-25 teams, including captains and key players.

  • Match schedules, ticketing options, and venue details for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

  • Practical tips for stadium access, parking, and nearby hotels, malls, and attractions.

  • 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:

  • Overview of the Duleep Trophy and its zonal team structure

  • Complete 2024-25 team squads, captains, and key players

  • Detailed schedule, ticketing, and venue information for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

  • Practical tips for stadium access, parking, and local attractions

  • FAQs addressing common fan queries about tickets, seating, and nearby facilities

What is the Duleep Trophy?

The Duleep Trophy is a first-class domestic cricket tournament in India run by the BCCI. It was launched in the 1961–62 season and is named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji.

The tournament’s zonal format fosters regional pride, with teams like West Zone, South Zone, and Team C competing in intense four-day matches.

  • Tournament Format: First-class competition with unlimited overs, distinct from ODIs or T20s.

  • Duration: Traditional four-day matches, emphasizing strategy and endurance.

  • Significance: A critical stage for players eyeing Indian Premier League (IPL) or international call-ups.

  • 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

Duleep Trophy 2025-26 features six zonal teams: North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, Central Zone, West Zone, and North East Zone.

Team Captains

North Zone: Shubman Gill; South Zone: Tilak Varma; East Zone: Ishan Kishan (some sources list Abhimanyu Easwaran); Central Zone: Dhruv Jurel; West Zone: Likely Shubham Khajuria or Ankit Kumar; North East Zone: Jonathan Rongsen.

Key Squad Highlights

South Zone includes Tilak Varma (c), Devdutt Padikkal, R Sai Kishore, and Vijaykumar Vyshak.

East Zone features Ishan Kishan (c), Riyan Parag, Mohammed Shami, and Mukesh Kumar.

Central Zone has Dhruv Jurel (c/wk), Rajat Patidar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Deepak Chahar.

North Zone boasts Shubman Gill (c), Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.

Full squads with standbys are detailed on BCCI.tv and ESPNcricinfo.

  • The tournament consists of knockout matches starting August 28, 2025, through September 15, 2025.

  • South Zone and West Zone get direct entry to semi-finals.

  • Central, East, North, and North East Zones compete in quarter-finals.

  • 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:

  • Central Zone

  • East Zone

  • North Zone

  • North East Zone

  • South Zone

  • West Zone

The tournament follows a knockout format where:

  • South Zone and West Zone directly qualify for the semi-finals.

  • 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

The Duleep Trophy 2026 features six zonal teams: Central Zone, East Zone, North Zone, North East Zone, South Zone, and West Zone.

Zone Captain / key leadership Squad highlights
Central Zone Rajat Patidar (c), Rinku Singh (vc) Aryan Juyal, Saransh Jain, Aman Mokhade, Kunal Chandela, Zeeshan Ansari, Arshad Khan, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute. sports.yahoo+1
East Zone Ishan Kishan (c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (vc) Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Gharami, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Kumar Kushagra, Anukul Roy, Virat Singh, Subhranshu Senapati, Denish Das. indianexpress+1
North Zone TBA The squad was still listed as TBA in the available results.
North East Zone Techi Neri Robin Limboo, Bishworjit Singh Konthoujam, Imliwati Lemtur, Kishan Lyndoh, Joseph Lal Thankhuma, Arpit Subhas, Ronald Meitei, Akash Kumar Choudhary, Vino G. Zhimomi, Lalrempuia.
South Zone Tilak Varma (c), Ricky Bhui (vc) Abhinav Tejrana, Shaik Rasheed, K. Himateja, R. Smaran, N. Jagadeesan, Karun Nair, Tanay Thyagarajan, Shreyas Gopal, K. Sai Teja, Tripurana Vijay, Vidwath Kaverappa, Aman Khan, M.D. Nideesh. indianexpress
West Zone Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shams Mulani (vc) Prithvi Shaw, Harvik Desai, Shivalik Sharma, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Jaymeet Patel, Urvil Patel, Siddharth Desai, Tanush Kotian, Shardul Thakur, Atit Seth, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chaudhary.

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

2025-26 Duleep Trophy Schedule and Ticketing at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

The 2025–26 Duleep Trophy schedule did not include M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the confirmed fixture list I found. The tournament was scheduled from 28 August to 15 September 2025, with matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence grounds in Bengaluru, not Chinnaswamy.wikipedia+2

Confirmed schedule

Match Dates Fixture Venue
Quarter-final 1 28–31 Aug 2025 North Zone vs East Zone BCCI COE Ground 1, Bengaluru
Quarter-final 2 28–31 Aug 2025 Central Zone vs North East Zone BCCI COE Ground 2, Bengaluru
Semi-final 1 4–7 Sep 2025 South Zone vs Winner QF1 BCCI COE Ground 1, Bengaluru
Semi-final 2 4–7 Sep 2025 North Zone vs Winner QF2 BCCI COE Ground 2, Bengaluru
Final 11–15 Sep 2025 Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 BCCI COE Ground 1, Bengaluru

I could not verify official Duleep Trophy ticketing for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium because that venue is not listed in the confirmed 2025–26 schedule above. For cricket tickets in Bengaluru, official booking usually depends on the specific stadium and match organizer, so I’d avoid relying on unofficial marketplace listings.cricketstadiumsinfo+2

If you want, I can also provide:

  • a 2025–26 Duleep Trophy article version,

  • Bengaluru cricket ticketing guidance, or

  • a clean SEO table for the schedule.

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.

  • Capacity: 40,000 spectators, with excellent views from all stands.

  • Seating Zones: Premium Pavilion (₹500), Grandstand (₹300), and General Stands (₹100).

  • Memorable Moment: West Zone’s thrilling chase of 350 runs in the 2018 Duleep Trophy semi-final.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Shivajinagar Bus Stand (1 km, ~7-min walk): Frequent buses to MG Road and other city hubs. Tickets cost ₹10–₹20.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

  • Cubbon Park (0.5 km, ~5-min walk): A lush green space perfect for a pre-match stroll, with walking trails and historic statues.

  • Vidhana Soudha (1 km, ~7-min walk): Bengaluru’s iconic legislative building, open for guided tours on weekends.

  • Lalbagh Botanical Garden (4 km, ~15-min drive): A serene retreat with a glasshouse and seasonal flower shows.

Stadium Access and Entry Tips

  • Parking: Limited parking available at ₹50–₹100 per vehicle. Arrive early to secure a spot near Gate 3.

  • Best Entry Gates: Use Gate 4 or 5 for faster entry, as Gate 1 gets crowded.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • 1961–2002: Featured five to six zonal teams (North, South, East, West, Central, and later North East).

  • 2002-03: Briefly used Ranji Trophy group-based teams.

  • 2016–20: Experimented with three teams (Blue, Green, Red) selected by the BCCI.

  • 2022-23: Returned to a six-team zonal format.

  • 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

Highest Individual Score

Sunil Gavaskar

360 runs

Best Bowling Figures

Anil Kumble

10/74

Most Wins (2020s)

West Zone

Highest win percentage

  • Historic Feat: West Zone’s dominant run in the 1980s, winning five consecutive titles.

  • 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!