Tilak Varma Named South Zone Captain for Duleep Trophy 2026
South Zone has announced its squad for the Duleep Trophy with Tilak Varma leading the side as the tournament begins later this month in Bengaluru.
South Zone has unveiled its squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, with India T20 vice captain Tilak Varma being appointed as the team’s captain. The selection reflects the confidence placed in the young Hyderabad batter, who has impressed consistently at both domestic and international levels.
Senior Andhra batter Ricky Bhui has been named vice captain, while the coaching responsibilities have been handed to experienced Level Two coach M N Vikram Varma. The tournament will be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from August 23 to September 10.
The squad features a balanced blend of experienced campaigners and promising youngsters. Veteran batter Karun Nair has secured a place in the team, while Karnataka’s R Smaran, who emerged as the highest run scorer in the 2025 2026 Ranji Trophy season with 950 runs, has also been included. Hyderabad batter K Himateja is another exciting addition to the lineup.
Several players who recently represented India A during the successful series against Sri Lanka A have also earned selection. Andhra opener Shaik Rasheed and Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper batter N Jagadeesan are part of the squad, with Jagadeesan expected to take charge behind the stumps. Goa batter Abhinav Tejrana has also been rewarded with a place in the team.
South Zone enters this edition with high expectations after finishing as runners up in the previous tournament. Their performance last season has earned them direct qualification to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the second quarterfinal on August 30.
The bowling attack looks equally strong with left arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan and leg spinner Shreyas Gopal leading the spin department. The pace unit includes K Sai Teja, Tripurana Vijay, Vidwath Kaverappa and M D Nidheesh, providing the team with a well rounded bowling combination.
The South Zone selection committee, chaired by former Andhra Ranji cricketer R V Chandramouli Prasad, finalized the squad in a meeting attended by representatives from Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Hyderabad, Goa, Puducherry and Kerala. With a talented squad and experienced leadership, South Zone will aim to lift the Duleep Trophy this season.
