Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 12: Indian Test skipper Shubman Gill will captain North Zone in the 2025–26 Duleep Trophy, starting August 28 in Bengaluru, marking the opening of this year’s domestic season. The move comes after the BCCI’s directive making it mandatory for national players to feature in domestic tournaments when no international cricket is scheduled — a policy implemented following India’s 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised the decision, calling Gill’s participation “a massive shot in the arm” for the tournament. “By being available, the Indian skipper is sending the right signal to other team members,” Gavaskar wrote, adding that the BCCI’s refusal to send a team for a white-ball series in Sri Lanka this month has further prioritised domestic cricket.

Gill, who scored 754 runs in the recent five-Test series against England — the second-highest ever by an Indian in a single series after Gavaskar’s 774 in 1971 — will lead North Zone against East Zone in the opener. He may depart early if picked for the Asia Cup squad.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel will captain Central Zone, with Rajat Patidar as vice-captain. North Zone’s clash with East Zone and Central’s meeting with North East Zone will set the tone for the season, as top players return to the domestic fold less than a month after a gruelling two-month overseas tour.