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The Duleep Trophy 2025, a cornerstone of India’s domestic cricket calendar, is back in its traditional zonal format running from August 28 to September 15. The knockout tournament features six teams—North, South, East, West, Central and North East Zone—battling for the prestigious title. With all matches being held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the competition provides a crucial platform for fringe and emerging players to impress national selectors ahead of a busy home Test season. It’s a key proving ground where future stars can solidify their credentials.
Here are the top 5 players to watch in the Duleep Trophy 2025:
1. Arshdeep Singh (North Zone)
The talented left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh was part of the squad for the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but did not get a chance to make his Test debut. Known for his ability to swing the ball and maintain tight lines, this tournament offers him the ideal opportunity to prove his mettle with the red ball. A strong showing here could see him fast-tracked into India’s Test plans.
2. Shreyas Iyer (West Zone)
Shreyas Iyer will be a pivotal figure for the West Zone as he aims to make a statement after being left out of the Asia Cup squad, despite a stellar IPL season. A gifted middle-order batsman, Iyer’s form in red-ball cricket has been inconsistent, but his ability to score quickly and his vast experience make him a threat. This tournament is a perfect stage for him to demonstrate his Test match temperament and remind selectors of his value in the longer format.
3. Mohammed Shami (East Zone)
The seasoned pacer, Mohammed Shami, will be looking to mark his return to competitive cricket and find his rhythm after battling a series of injuries. The veteran’s international Test stats are impressive, with 229 wickets in 64 matches at an average of 27.71. His experience and lethal reverse-swing will be invaluable for the East Zone. For Shami, this tournament is not just about winning but about proving his fitness and showing that he is ready for an international comeback.
4. Dhruv Jurel (Central Zone)
A talented wicket-keeper, Dhruv Jurel is a definite player to keep an eye on. Having recently made his Test debut for India and been entrusted with the captaincy of the Central Zone, his leadership and wicket-keeping skills, combined with his promising batting ability, make him a crucial asset. Jurel’s performance will be under immense scrutiny as he aims to prove he has the temperament and consistency to not only hold his place in the national squad but also thrive in a leadership role.
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5. Abhimanyu Easwaran (East Zone)
Abhimanyu Easwaran is a talented opening batsman who has been an unfortunate standby for India’s Test side for a long time without getting a game. He has been in and around the squad but has been unlucky not to get his debut. This Duleep Trophy is a massive opportunity for him to make a strong statement. His consistent performances for Bengal and India A have made him a reliable first-class batter, and he will be eager to prove his worth with a big score.
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