Shubman Gill, the rising star of Indian cricket, has been entrusted with a new leadership role as captain of the North Zone team for the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, marking the beginning of India’s domestic cricket season. This announcement, made on August 7, 2025, comes on the heels of Gill’s impressive debut as India’s Test captain during the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, where he led the team to a thrilling 2-2 draw. With the Duleep Trophy set to commence on August 28 in Bengaluru, Gill’s appointment as North Zone skipper is a testament to his growing stature as a leader and a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. This article delves into Gill’s journey, his recent achievements, the composition of the North Zone squad, the significance of the Duleep Trophy, and the challenges that lie ahead for the young captain.
Shubman Gill’s Meteoric Rise
At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill has already carved a niche for himself in Indian cricket. Known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor, Gill has transitioned from a promising youngster to a cornerstone of the Indian Test team. His recent exploits in England, where he amassed 754 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75, underscored his batting prowess and cemented his reputation as one of India’s most reliable batsmen. This performance, the highest by an Indian captain in a single Test series and the second-highest by an Indian in any Test series, showcased his ability to lead from the front.
Gill’s captaincy debut in England was not without its challenges. Taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma, who retired in May 2025, Gill faced the daunting task of leading a relatively young Indian side against a formidable English team on their home turf. Despite initial skepticism about his appointment, Gill silenced doubters with his strategic acumen and composed leadership. His ability to rally his team, particularly in the fifth Test at The Oval, where India secured a dramatic six-run victory, highlighted his potential as a captain who thrives under pressure.
The Duleep Trophy: A Prestigious Platform
The Duleep Trophy, one of India’s premier domestic red-ball tournaments, has long been a proving ground for cricketers aspiring to make their mark at the international level. The tournament, which dates back to 1961, traditionally features teams representing different zones of India: North, South, East, West, Central, and North-East. After a brief experiment with a four-team format (A, B, C, and D) in the previous season, the 2025-26 edition reverts to its classic zonal structure, giving regional players a chance to shine.
For Gill, leading North Zone in the Duleep Trophy represents a significant opportunity to hone his captaincy skills in the domestic arena. Having previously captained India A and India Blue in the tournament, this will be his first time leading North Zone, a team brimming with talent and potential. The tournament kicks off on August 28, with North Zone facing East Zone, led by Ishan Kishan, in the opening match at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
North Zone Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The North Zone squad for the 2025 Duleep Trophy is a well-balanced unit, featuring a mix of seasoned international players and promising domestic talents. The 15-member squad, announced on August 7, 2025, includes several players who have represented India at various levels, alongside emerging stars looking to make their mark.
Key Players in the Squad
Shubman Gill (Captain): The linchpin of the team, Gill’s leadership and batting will be crucial. His recent form in England, where he scored four centuries, makes him the player to watch.
Ankit Kumar (Vice-Captain): A prolific run-scorer for Haryana in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Kumar’s appointment as deputy reflects his growing stature in domestic cricket. His 574 runs in 14 innings last season highlight his consistency.
Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer, who was part of India’s Test squad in England but did not play, will look to make an impact with the new ball. His ability to swing the ball makes him a potent weapon.
Harshit Rana: A rising star in Indian cricket, Rana made his Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year. His pace and aggression will bolster North Zone’s bowling attack.
Anshul Kamboj: Fresh off his Test debut against England, Kamboj will aim to build on his international experience and prove his worth in the domestic circuit.
Ayush Badoni: The Delhi all-rounder, known for his aggressive batting and handy off-spin, adds depth to the squad.
Yash Dhull: The former India U19 captain, who led his team to the 2022 World Cup title, is another exciting prospect. His inclusion signals his potential as a future star.
Shubham Khajuria and Auqib Nabi: Representing Jammu and Kashmir, these players bring regional flavor to the squad. Nabi, in particular, was the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy with 44 wickets.
Kanhaiya Wadhawan (Wicketkeeper): The Jammu and Kashmir player will handle duties behind the stumps, adding stability to the lineup.
Replacements and Standbys
Given the overlap between the Duleep Trophy (August 28–September 15) and the Asia Cup (September 9–28), the North Zone selectors have named replacements for key players who may be called up for national duties. Shubham Rohilla (Services) will replace Gill, Gurnoor Brar (Punjab) will step in for Arshdeep Singh, and Anuj Thakral (Haryana) will substitute for Harshit Rana if they are selected for the Asia Cup. Additionally, seven standby players—Shubham Arora, Jaskaranvir Singh Paul, Ravi Chauhan, Abid Mushtaq, Nishunk Birla, Umar Nazir, and Divesh Sharma—have been named to ensure squad depth.
Challenges and Opportunities
Gill’s leadership in the Duleep Trophy comes with its share of challenges. The overlap with the Asia Cup means that his participation, along with that of Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, is not guaranteed. Reports suggest that Gill is in contention for India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup, potentially as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav. If selected, he may miss part or all of the Duleep Trophy, requiring North Zone to rely on their replacements to maintain momentum.
Moreover, the Duleep Trophy’s return to the zonal format increases competition, as each zone fields a strong squad representing the best talent from their respective regions. North Zone’s opening clash against East Zone, led by the dynamic Ishan Kishan, promises to be a thrilling encounter. The winner of this quarter-final will face South Zone, the reigning champions, in the semi-final, adding to the intensity of the competition.
For Gill, the tournament offers a chance to further refine his captaincy skills in a high-stakes domestic environment. Having led Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 and Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Gill has shown flashes of leadership brilliance. However, the Duleep Trophy, with its red-ball format and longer duration, will test his ability to manage resources over multiple days and adapt to varying match situations.
The Bigger Picture: Gill’s Role in Indian Cricket
Gill’s appointment as North Zone captain is not just a domestic milestone but also a reflection of his growing importance in Indian cricket. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin having retired, Gill is part of a new generation of leaders tasked with carrying Indian cricket forward. His performance in England, where he not only scored runs but also managed a young team in the absence of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, demonstrated his readiness for bigger responsibilities.
The Duleep Trophy will also serve as a platform for other North Zone players to stake their claim for national selection. With India’s home Test series against the West Indies and South Africa looming after the Asia Cup, strong performances in the Duleep Trophy could pave the way for call-ups. For players like Anshul Kamboj, who struggled in his Test debut, and Arshdeep Singh, who is yet to cement his place in the Test side, the tournament is a golden opportunity to impress the selectors.
Looking Ahead
Shubman Gill’s appointment as North Zone captain for the 2025 Duleep Trophy marks a significant step in his evolution as a leader and cricketer. Fresh off a stellar performance in England, Gill is poised to lead a talented North Zone squad in a tournament that holds immense significance in India’s domestic cricket landscape. While the potential clash with the Asia Cup poses a challenge, Gill’s leadership and the squad’s depth ensure that North Zone will be a formidable force. As the domestic season kicks off on August 28, all eyes will be on Gill and his team as they aim to make a strong statement in the Duleep Trophy. For the young captain, this is not just a chance to win silverware but also an opportunity to solidify his credentials as one of India’s brightest cricketing prospects.
