Duleep Trophy 2025: Shardul Thakur Takes Charge as West Zone Captain

The Duleep Trophy 2025 is set to begin in Bengaluru, featuring a return to its zonal format. West Zone's team, captained by Shardul Thakur, includes notable players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. The decision to appoint Thakur over Iyer raises questions about leadership and availability, especially with the Asia Cup approaching. Iyer, eager to reclaim his spot in the Test side, faces a pivotal moment in his career. This article delves into the team dynamics and what lies ahead for these players.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 16:23 IST

Duleep Trophy Kicks Off in Bengaluru

The cricket season in India is set to commence with the Duleep Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on August 28 in Bengaluru. This year, the tournament will return to its traditional zonal format, featuring teams that represent different regions across the country.

West Zone's Strong Lineup

West Zone has announced a formidable squad ahead of the tournament, led by fast bowler Shardul Thakur. The team boasts prominent players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Notably, seasoned batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have been left out, indicating a shift in the team's strategy.

The Captaincy Decision Explained

A key topic of discussion is the decision to appoint Shardul Thakur as captain instead of Shreyas Iyer. Given Iyer's experience, many anticipated he would lead the team. However, the selectors opted for Thakur due to scheduling conflicts. With the Asia Cup set to begin on September 9, there is a possibility that Iyer may be called up for international duty, prompting the selectors to choose a captain who would be available for the entire Duleep Trophy.

Iyer's Aspirations and Future Prospects

Interestingly, just a day before the squad announcement, Iyer, along with Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube, expressed their eagerness to participate in the Duleep Trophy. Iyer, who last played a Test match in February 2024 against England, is keen to secure his spot in the Test team. He has played 14 Tests, scoring one century and five fifties. Sarfaraz Khan, who also participated in the recent England series, shares a similar goal of impressing the selectors once again.

Looking Ahead

Currently, Shardul Thakur will lead the West Zone team, while Shreyas Iyer may soon shift his focus to international commitments if he is selected for the Asia Cup.