Duleep Trophy makes its comeback in August 2026, and this time around, it follows its age-old zonal format to bring together many top domestic talents as well as many players who have been part of the national setup or are struggling to make it back into the setup. Leadership will once again be of great significance in this competition where performances are closely monitored by the selectors.
There will be some familiar faces who have been given the responsibility of leading their zones in the 2026 Duleep Trophy, and there will also be a few youngsters who have been given the responsibility of vice-captaincy.
Captains and Vice-Captains Announced for The Duleep Trophy 2026
West Zone
Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Vice-Captain: Shams Mulani
The captaincy of West Zone has been bestowed upon Ruturaj Gaikwad, who remains among the most consistent players in Indian domestic cricket. The Maharashtra batter has previous leadership experience at both domestic and IPL level, making him a natural choice to guide one of the strongest squads in the tournament.
Mumbai all-rounder Shams Mulani has been named vice-captain. Mulani has built a reputation as a dependable performer with both bat and ball and has been one of Mumbai’s most valuable players over the past few seasons. His experience adds balance to the leadership group.
West Zone’s squad also includes several high-profile names such as Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan and the returning Prithvi Shaw, making them one of the favourites for the title.
East Zone
Captain: Ishan Kishan
Vice-Captain: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
East Zone has gone with Ishan Kishan as captain. The Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter brings international experience and will be expected to lead a talented side in Bengaluru.
The biggest talking point, however, is the appointment of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as vice-captain. Fresh from an impressive run in international cricket and age-group tournaments, the youngster has received another major vote of confidence. At just 15, he becomes one of the youngest leadership figures in the tournament’s recent history.
The East Zone squad also features Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Abhimanyu Easwaran, giving the team plenty of experience alongside exciting young talent.
North Zone
Captain: Shubman Gill
Vice-Captain: Ankit Kumar
India Test captain Shubman Gill will also lead North Zone in the Duleep Trophy. His appointment underlines the importance the tournament continues to hold despite a busy international calendar.
Gill’s presence gives North Zone a leader who has already handled pressure at the highest level. However, the zonal selectors have also prepared for the possibility of international commitments. If Gill joins the national team during the tournament, replacement arrangements have already been outlined.
Haryana batter Ankit Kumar has been named vice-captain after consistent performances in domestic cricket. His leadership role also provides continuity if changes become necessary during the competition.
South Zone
Captain: Riyan Parag
South Zone has named Riyan Parag as captain. The Assam all-rounder continues to earn leadership responsibilities after establishing himself as one of India’s leading domestic performers across formats. His aggressive style and confidence have made him an exciting choice to lead a strong South Zone side. South Zone has not officially announced a vice-captain. If one is appointed before the tournament begins, it will be confirmed by the zonal selectors.
Central Zone
Captain: Rajat Patidar
In Central Zone, Rajat Patidar has been assigned the role of team captain. He has been a successful top-order batsman in the domestic circuit, and he also has the necessary leadership experience in professional cricket. His coolness under pressure makes him a good candidate to be the leader of an all-star side made up of domestic players. Like South Zone, Central Zone has not officially named a vice-captain.
North East Zone
Captain: Jonathan Rongsen
Jonathan Rongsen will once again lead North East Zone. The Nagaland all-rounder has been a regular leader for the side and remains one of the most experienced cricketers from the region.
His leadership has helped provide stability as North East Zone continues to strengthen its presence in India’s domestic circuit.No vice-captain has been officially announced by North East Zone so far.
Complete Leadership List
| Zone | Captain | Vice-Captain |
| West Zone | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Shams Mulani |
| East Zone | Ishan Kishan | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi |
| North Zone | Shubman Gill | Ankit Kumar |
| South Zone | Riyan Parag | Not officially announced |
| Central Zone | Rajat Patidar | Not officially announced |
| North East Zone | Jonathan Rongsen | Not officially announced |
