Duleep Trophy 2025: Shubman Gill got the command of this team as soon as he returned from England tour

After his impressive performance on the England tour, Indian Test team captain Shubman Gill is set to lead the North Zone team in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025, which starts on August 28. This appointment comes shortly after Gill’s successful stint as the captain of the Indian Test team, a role he took on before the England tour began. At just 25 years old, Gill has already proven himself as a capable leader and a prolific batsman on the international stage.

During the England tour, Gill showcased outstanding form, scoring a remarkable total of 754 runs in the five-match Test series, which ended in a 2-2 draw. His stellar batting and leadership earned him the Player of the Series award, cementing his reputation as one of India’s brightest cricketing talents. Now, as the Duleep Trophy approaches, Gill will bring his leadership and experience to the domestic level, captaining the North Zone team in one of India’s prestigious zonal tournaments.

To support Gill’s leadership, Haryana’s top-order batsman Ankit Kumar has been named the vice-captain of the North Zone team. This partnership is expected to strengthen the team’s batting and on-field strategies, providing a solid leadership core. The combination of Gill’s international experience and Kumar’s domestic performances makes the North Zone a strong contender in this year’s Duleep Trophy.

However, the team management has also made contingency plans in case Gill is called up for national duty during the tournament. If Gill participates in international matches overlapping with the Duleep Trophy, Shubham Rohilla will replace him in the North Zone squad. Similarly, if Arshdeep Singh, the team’s pace bowler, is unavailable due to commitments such as the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE starting from September 9, Gurnur Brar has been selected as his replacement. This thoughtful planning ensures the team maintains its competitive edge despite potential absences of key players.

The North Zone team comprises a talented mix of seasoned domestic players and emerging cricketers. Alongside Gill and Kumar, players like Shubham Khajuria, Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhul, Ankit Kalsi, and Nishant Sindhu form a strong batting lineup. The bowling attack features promising talents such as Mayank Dagar, Yudhveer Singh Charak, and Harshit Rana. The squad also includes wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan, whose skills behind the stumps add depth to the team’s balance.

In addition to the core squad, the North Zone has selected standby players to cover any unforeseen circumstances. These include Shubham Arda, Jaskaranveer Singh Paul, Ravi Chauhan, Abid Mushtaq, Nishank Birla, Umar Nazir, and Divesh Sharma. This depth in the squad highlights the team’s readiness to adapt to any challenges throughout the tournament.

North Zone’s first match in the Duleep Trophy will be against East Zone, promising an exciting contest as both teams aim to advance further in the competition. The Duleep Trophy is a significant tournament for domestic players, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and potentially catch the eyes of national selectors. With Shubman Gill at the helm, the North Zone team looks poised to perform well and possibly claim the title.

Gill’s transition from international cricket back to domestic cricket demonstrates his commitment to nurturing talent and leading by example at all levels. His presence in the Duleep Trophy not only boosts the team’s chances but also provides invaluable experience to the younger players in the squad. This tournament will be an important stepping stone for many players aspiring to make their mark on the bigger stages of cricket.

In summary, the North Zone team for the Duleep Trophy 2025 is led by Shubman Gill, supported by vice-captain Ankit Kumar and a strong group of players ready to compete. With replacements and standby players in place, the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Fans and cricket enthusiasts will be keenly watching this tournament to see how Gill’s leadership influences the North Zone’s campaign and which players rise to prominence on this competitive platform.