Ruturaj Gaikwad to Lead West Zone in 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, Prithvi Shaw Earns Recall
West Zone appoints Ruturaj Gaikwad captain for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy as Prithvi Shaw returns to the squad.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named captain of the West Zone team for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, while all-rounder Shams Mulani has been appointed vice-captain. The squad was announced ahead of the domestic tournament, which begins on August 23 in Bengaluru.
Gaikwad continues to take on leadership roles in Indian cricket. He currently captains Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and recently served as India’s A vice-captain during the tri-series in Sri Lanka. He will now lead a strong West Zone side as they look to improve on last season’s campaign.
One of the biggest talking points is the return of Prithvi Shaw. The opener was left out of the West Zone squad last season but has earned a recall after moving to Maharashtra. Shaw was first picked for the Duleep Trophy when he was just 17 and now gets another opportunity to rebuild his domestic career.
The tournament could be an important turning point for Shaw. Once regarded as one of India’s brightest young batters, he has struggled for consistency in recent years and has not played an IPL match since 2024. A good performance in the Duleep Trophy could help him get back into the spotlight.
West Zone will, however, be without promising youngster Ayush Mhatre, who misses the tournament because of an injury. His absence is a setback, but the team still has plenty of experience and depth in the squad.
Last season, West Zone’s campaign ended in the semifinal after a defeat to Central Zone. This year, Gaikwad and his teammates will be aiming to go one step further and challenge for the title.
The 2026-27 Duleep Trophy gets underway on August 23 in Bengaluru, with the zonal teams set to compete in one of India’s most important domestic red-ball tournaments.
