North Zone have unveiled a balanced 15-member squad for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, with India pacer Arshdeep Singh returning to lead the bowling attack and Jammu and Kashmir wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan entrusted with the captaincy. The squad reflects a blend of experienced domestic performers and emerging talents, with Jammu and Kashmir’s remarkable Ranji Trophy-winning campaign earning six of their players a place in the team.
Kanhaiya Wadhawan gets leadership role, Arshdeep Singh boosts pace attack
The selection committee has placed its faith in Wadhawan, handing him the responsibility of leading North Zone in one of India’s premier domestic red-ball tournaments. The wicketkeeper-batter has enjoyed a consistent rise in domestic cricket and now has the opportunity to guide a side packed with talent.
One of the biggest highlights of the squad is the inclusion of Arshdeep. The left-arm fast bowler, already a regular face in India’s white-ball teams, will spearhead the pace department. Although Arshdeep was part of India’s Test squad during the 2025 tour of England, he is still awaiting his maiden Test appearance after injury concerns and team combinations kept him out of the playing XI.
Joining him in the fast-bowling unit is Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj, another cricketer who has been knocking on the doors of the national Test setup with impressive domestic performances. The pace attack is further strengthened by Sunil Kumar, Yudhvir Singh and Nikhil Kashyap, giving North Zone multiple bowling options across conditions.
Jammu and Kashmir dominate selections after Ranji success
Jammu and Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph has been rewarded in emphatic fashion, with six players making the North Zone squad. Captain Wadhawan is accompanied by opener Qamran Iqbal, all-rounder Abdul Samad, left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq, and pacers Sunil and Yudhvir. Their inclusion underlines the impact of the state’s memorable domestic campaign and provides the players with another opportunity to impress at the zonal level.
Meanwhile, veteran Jammu and Kashmir batter Paras Dogra has not been included. At 41, the experienced campaigner misses out as the selectors continue to prioritise younger players capable of pushing for higher honours. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi was unavailable for selection because of national team commitments.
Delhi also enjoys strong representation in the squad. Opener Sanat Sangwan, former Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Yash Dhull, middle-order batter Ayush Doseja and vice-captain Ayush Badoni have all secured places after consistent domestic performances.
North Zone eye strong start against West Zone
North Zone will begin their Duleep Trophy campaign against West Zone in Match 2 at the Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru. The winner of the contest will progress to the semifinal, making the opening fixture crucial.
The squad also features India A regular Nishant Sindhu along with all-rounder Arjun Sharma and spinner Abid Mushtaq, providing balance in both batting depth and spin resources.
North Zone will be eager to challenge for the prestigious title, especially with a squad that combines international experience, proven domestic performers and exciting young prospects.
Central Zone enter the tournament as the defending champions after defeating South Zone in the 2025-26 final. Led by Rajat Patidar, Central Zone claimed their first Duleep Trophy title in ten years, with Patidar finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 382 runs, including a century in the final.
North Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2026-27: Kanhaiya Wadhawan (captain), Ayush Badoni vice-captain), Sanat Sangwan, Qamran Iqbal, Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja, Abdul Samad, Nishant Sindhu, Arjun Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Arshdeep Singh, Sunil Kumar, Anshul Kamboj, Yudhvir Singh and Nikhil Kashyap
