The Duleep Trophy 2025 has set the stage for India’s domestic season, and this year’s competition is particularly significant. With the Indian Test team coming off a disappointing 0–3 whitewash against New Zealand, selectors are closely tracking standout performers who can strengthen the squad for upcoming home matches.
The tournament has thrown up several consistent names, and a few of them have made strong statements through their performances. Among them, three players — Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, and N Jagadeesan — have stood out and could find themselves in contention for a place in India’s Test setup.
1. Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar’s Test debut against England last year did not unfold as he would have hoped. He struggled to cement his place and was eventually sidelined from the squad. However, the Duleep Trophy 2025 has given him the platform to stage a comeback, and he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Patidar currently leads the run-scoring charts, consistently piling on crucial runs for his side and showing the kind of temperament required in red-ball cricket.
India’s middle order is in transition. With Karun Nair unable to rediscover his old form and question marks hanging over consistency in that batting slot, Patidar’s resurgence comes at the perfect time. His ability to occupy the crease, build partnerships, and convert starts into significant scores makes him a valuable option. Selectors may look at him as either a direct replacement or a strong competitor to someone like Shreyas Iyer, who has also had an inconsistent Test journey so far. If Patidar continues his purple patch, a recall to the Test team seems likely.
2. Harsh Dubey
One of the brightest talents to emerge in recent seasons, Harsh Dubey has been quietly building his case as an all-rounder for the future. After delivering a steady Ranji Trophy campaign, Dubey has carried that momentum into the Duleep Trophy. He has impressed not only with his wicket-taking abilities but also with his ability to contribute runs in the lower order. His balance as a player makes him a rare commodity, something Indian selectors have always valued in the longer format.
With Axar Patel seemingly no longer in the core Test plans, the selectors may look toward Dubey as a potential understudy to Ravindra Jadeja. His left-arm spin brings variety, while his batting adds depth to the order — a crucial asset in Test cricket. His selection for India A’s upcoming series against Australia A further highlights the faith that the selectors are beginning to place in him. A strong showing there could all but confirm his pathway into the senior Test squad.
3. N Jagadeesan
N Jagadeesan is another player whose performances cannot be ignored. He was recently part of India’s Test squad as a backup wicketkeeper during the England series, although he did not get a chance to feature in the playing XI. Now, his consistent form in the Duleep Trophy once again strengthens his case. With Rishabh Pant’s full fitness still uncertain, the team management may be forced to keep alternate wicketkeeping options ready.
Jagadeesan brings not only safe hands behind the stumps but also a solid batting record, particularly in the longer format. In high-pressure domestic games, he has shown composure and the ability to absorb pressure, qualities vital for a wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket. If given another opportunity at the highest level, Jagadeesan will need to make it count to establish himself as a long-term option.
The Duleep Trophy 2025 has already produced compelling performances, and for Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, and N Jagadeesan, it could be the stepping stone to Test cricket. Each of them addresses different gaps in the current Indian squad — middle-order stability, all-round depth, and wicketkeeping cover. With India seeking fresh energy after a poor overseas series, these players may soon find themselves donning the whites at the international stage.
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