🏠 News Empire
sports

Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead West Zone in Duleep Trophy 2025-26 season

Published on: 20 Jul 2026, 11:22 AM
Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead West Zone in Duleep Trophy 2025-26 season

BENGALURU: Ruturaj Gaikwad, the India and Maharashtra batter, has been appointed captain of the West Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, the selection committee announced on Monday. Mumbai all-rounder Shams Mulani has been named vice-captain.

The 15-member squad was finalised after a meeting of the selection committee chaired by Mumbai chief selector Rajesh Pawar. Gaikwad takes over the leadership from pacer Shardul Thakur, who captained West Zone last season.

Gaikwad, who leads Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, recently served as vice-captain of the India A team during the tri-series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. His appointment brings experience of leading in high-pressure tournaments.

The Duleep Trophy will be held at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from August 23 to September 10. The tournament will retain its zonal format for the 2026-27 season, continuing a tradition of showcasing India's domestic talent.

The full West Zone squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shams Mulani (vice-captain), [remaining players to be listed as per official announcement]. The team will look to build on its past performances under new leadership.

Latest in Sports 10
Sreeshankar targets 2028 gold after fourth career silver: 'Everything will be compensated'
sports

Sreeshankar targets 2028 gold after fourth career silver: 'Everything will be compensated'

Long jumper M. Sreeshankar, who won silver at the Asian Games in Japan, has said he believes his fourth career silver will lead to a major gold, and that he hopes to win one in 2028. He said an injury during his fourth attempt and difficult weather conditions affected his performance, though he still managed a jump of 8.07 m. Palakkad MP V.K. Sreekandan and MLA Ramesh Pisharody congratulated him at his residence.

The Hindu 02 Oct 2026, 03:32 PM
Read More →
Asian Games 2026: Indian women win 4x400m relay gold, end athletics drought
sports

Asian Games 2026: Indian women win 4x400m relay gold, end athletics drought

India's women's 4x400m relay team of Kiran Pahal, M.R. Poovamma, Prachi Chaudhary and Vithya Ramraj won gold in 3:29.69s at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, ending the country's wait for an athletics gold. Gulveer Singh added a 5,000m bronze to complete a hat-trick of individual medals, while the men's relay and mixed relay teams also finished on the podium.

The Hindu 29 Sep 2026, 03:54 PM
Read More →
Women's Andhra Premier League opens in Mangalagiri, four teams to play 13 matches in seven days
sports

Women's Andhra Premier League opens in Mangalagiri, four teams to play 13 matches in seven days

The inaugural Women's Andhra Premier League, a T20 tournament run by the Andhra Cricket Association, opened at the ACA International Stadium in Mangalagiri on Saturday. Four teams — Rayalaseema Gen Stars, Godavari Golden Eagles, Amaravati E-Champions and Vizag Fire Birds — will play 13 matches over seven days. Rayalaseema Gen Stars won the opening game, chasing down a target of 117.

The Hindu 19 Sep 2026, 03:45 PM
Read More →
→ View All Sports News