India’s domestic season kicks off on Thursday with the Duleep Trophy 2025. The red-ball tournament returns to its zonal format and will feature some of India’s top cricketers. The competition begins with North Zone taking on East Zone for a place in the semi-finals. While Shubman Gill is set to miss out for North Zone, there is enough star quality in the two sides to put on a block buster contest. Here’s 5 players to watch out for in the North Zone vs East Zone clash in Duleep Trophy:
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami’s career is at crossroads. At 34, Shami has seen long-time teammates Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and now Cheteshwar Pujara retire. He was omitted from the England tour after a poor show for Sunrisers in the IPL. Questions remain on his fitness while Gautam Gambhir continues to push through a transition. The new domestic season, starting with the Duleep Trophy will be make or bust for the Indian ace.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav is India’s lead spinner in limited overs cricket. However, regular game time in Test cricket has eluded the left-arm wrist spinner. Despite the retirement of Ravi Ashwin, Yadav has fallen down the order with Washington Sundar preferred for his batting ability. At his best, Kuldeep is one of the finest spinners in the world at the moment. With a Test series vs West Indies on the horizon, the Delhi Capitals spinner would hope to remind the team management of his skills.
Riyan Parag
At 25, Riyan Parag is entering the prime of his career. Parag has forced his way into India’s t20I plans and will be part of the Asia Cup 2025. The Assam ace will hope to get some runs and wickets under his belt with the Duleep Trophy just two weeks before the tournament. Parag is a rarity in Indian cricket at the moment, with his ability to contribute with the ball being key. Should the Rajasthan Royals ace make good of his chances, he could find himself in future series to come.
Anshul Kamboj
Anshul Kamboj was flown to England on the back of an impressive first class season. However, the young pacer found his Test debut to be of a different challenge. The Chennai Super Kings bowler looked half-cooked, bowling middling pace hardly troubling the set English batters. All is not over for Anshul, but the Haryana pacer will need a strong domestic season to hurl him into contention again.
Arshdeep Singh
Alongside Easwaran, Arshdeep Singh was another India star who failed to get a game in the England series. A tall left-arm quick, Singh was picked as a differential option in the Indian attack. However a hand injury ruled him out of the 4th Test which featured Anshul Kamboj. Arshdeep is India’s leading wicket taker in T20Is and selectors will keep a close eye on his domestic performances.
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