India’s Test captain Shubman Gill is set to lead the North Zone side for the first time in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025. This marks his return to domestic red-ball cricket following a successful international outing in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where India drew the series 2-2 against England.
The Duleep Trophy, which has returned to its traditional six-team zonal format, will begin later this month, with Gill captaining North Zone in their quarter-final clash against East Zone, led by Ishan Kishan.
The match will be held at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru starting August 28. Gill’s appointment comes after an extraordinary Test series in which he scored 754 runs, including four centuries, becoming the only Indian captain besides Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar to score four tons in an away Test series.
Fresh Leadership and Key Squad Additions
Gill will have notable support in his squad, including fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj, who were also part of India’s Test series in England. Haryana batter Ankit Kumar has been named as vice-captain of the side. This will be Gill’s first stint as captain of North Zone in the Duleep Trophy, although he has played for India A and India Blue in past editions.
Last year, he led Team A in one match, scoring modest runs during a loss. The selection reflects the BCCI’s interest in grooming young leaders for future international responsibilities. Importantly, the North Zone squad also includes six players from Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing the depth of talent from the region.
Complete Squad and Backup Plans
The North Zone squad includes Shubman Gill (captain), Shubham Khajuria, Ankit Kumar (vice-captain), Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, Ankit Kalsi, Nishant Sindhu, Sahil Lotra, Mayank Dagar, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, and wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan.
The selectors have also named replacements in case any players are called up for national duty during the tournament. Shubham Rohilla is set to replace Gill if needed, while Gurnoor Brar and Anuj Thakral are named as backups for Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana respectively. The tournament presents a chance for young players to make their mark and for Gill to strengthen his domestic leadership credentials ahead of future challenges.
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