Tilak Varma Named South Zone Captain for 2026-27 Duleep Trophy
Tilak Varma will captain South Zone in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, with Ricky Bhui as vice-captain and a direct semifinal berth secured.
India batter Tilak Varma has been appointed captain of the South Zone squad for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy. The 23-year-old Hyderabad batter will lead the side in one of India’s premier domestic first-class tournaments, continuing his rise as a young leader in Indian cricket.
Experienced Andhra batter Ricky Bhui has been named vice-captain and will serve as Tilak’s deputy during the campaign. The South Zone squad also includes several established domestic performers, with Karun Nair and wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan among the biggest names in the 15-member group.
The full squad features Tilak Varma (captain), Ricky Bhui (vice-captain), Abhinav Tejrana, SK Rasheed, K Himateja, R Smaran, N Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Karun Nair, Tanay Thyagarajan, Shreyas Gopal, K Sai Teja, T Vijay, Vidwath Kaverappa, and Aman Khan.
The 2026-27 Duleep Trophy will be held from August 23 to September 10 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. South Zone has earned a direct place in the semifinals, which begin on August 30, after finishing runners-up in the previous edition of the tournament.
Tilak’s appointment reflects the growing confidence selectors have shown in his leadership abilities. He has recently been entrusted with captaincy responsibilities for India A at the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and this role adds another important chapter to his development as a leader.
South Zone will look to go one step further this season and lift the Duleep Trophy with a balanced squad that combines experienced players and promising young talent.
Tilak’s appointment comes alongside other zonal captaincy announcements, with Rajat Patidar set to lead defending champions Central Zone, while Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain West Zone in the upcoming tournament.
