The Duleep Trophy, kicking off on August 28, 2025, will launch the 2025–26 domestic cricket season, concluding with the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy on April 3, 2026. The Ranji Trophy, a key highlight of India’s domestic calendar, is scheduled to begin on October 15, 2025. It will run in two phases: the first from October 15 to November 19, 2025, and the second (Elite) phase from January 22 to February 1, 2026.
In preparation for the Duleep Trophy, Shreyas Iyer, India’s young and vibrant batter, has been offered to play for West Zone. The zonal sides are likely to be confirmed on Friday afternoon in Mumbai.
Iyer is not the first big name showing interest in the tournament. Sarfaraz Khan, the middle-order Mumbai batsman,, all-rounder Shivam Dube, and speed bowler Tushar Deshpande have also sent a word of availability to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
According to The Indian Express, an MCA official stated that: “Iyer is confirmed for the Duleep Trophy. Sarfaraz, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande are also confirmed.”
Iyer’s significant contribution in the battlefield made India win the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, held in Dubai. He even supported Punjab Kings to the final of the IPL 2025. But eventually, they lost the match with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad.
The selectors overlooked Iyer in the ongoing Test series in England. They preferred Karun Nair due to his excellency in recent domestic matches.
On the South Zone side, selectors have made Tilak Varma the captain, with experienced players such as KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Washington Sundar being overlooked for the same.
