The defending champions of the Duleep Trophy, Central Zone, have retained Rajat Patidar as captain while Indian star Rinku Singh has been named vice-captain. The zonal selectors announced a balanced 15-member squad for the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament, which is scheduled to begin later this month at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Rajat Patidar rewarded with captaincy of Central Zone

Patidar will continue to lead Central Zone after guiding the side to the Duleep Trophy title last season.

The right-handed batter enjoyed an outstanding campaign, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer and playing a crucial role in helping his team lift the trophy. His consistent performances in domestic cricket, combined with his leadership success, earned him another opportunity to captain the side.

Rinku Singh has been appointed vice-captain following his impressive performances in domestic and international cricket. The left-handed batter is expected to add experience to the middle order while assisting Patidar with leadership responsibilities throughout the tournament.

Rinku Singh was named vice captain for Central Zone.
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Rinku Singh was named vice captain for the Central Zone. । X

Strong central zone squad targets back-to-back Duleep Trophy title

Central Zone have retained the core of the squad that won the title last season. The batting line-up includes Aman Mokhade, Yash Rathod and Harpreet Singh Bhatia, while Aryan Juyal and Kunal Singh Rathod will share wicketkeeping duties.

The squad also features all-rounders Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain and Arshad Khan. Jain recently earned his maiden India Test call-up for the Sri Lanka series, although his availability for the tournament will depend on national team commitments.

The bowling attack includes Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Pandey and experienced pacer Aniket Choudhary, giving Central Zone a strong combination of pace and spin options.

Having won their seventh Duleep Trophy title last season, Central Zone will enter the new campaign with confidence. By retaining most of their title-winning players and placing faith in Patidar’s leadership once again, the team will be aiming to successfully defend the championship and continue their dominance in one of India’s most important domestic first-class tournaments.

Central Zone squad for Duleep Trophy

Rajat Patidar (captain), Rinku Singh (vice-captain), Aryan Juyal (wicketkeeper), Saransh Jain, Aman Mokhade, Kunal Chandela, Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Pandey, Arshad Khan, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Kunal Singh Rathod (wk), Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute.

Stand-by players: Amandeep Khare, Mayank Mishra, Saurabh Rawat, Bhargav Merai, Kunal Yadav and Kumar Kartikeya. PTI UNG APS APS