Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed captain of the West Zone team for the opening tournament of India’s 2026-27 domestic season, the Duleep Trophy, which begins on August 23. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani has been named vice-captain for the competition.
The six-team tournament will be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from August 23 to September 10, with West Zone aiming to improve on last season’s semi-final finish.
Strong Mumbai Presence
West Zone’s squad features six players from Mumbai, highlighting the state’s continued dominance in Indian domestic cricket.
The Mumbai contingent includes Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande.
The experienced core is expected to provide balance and depth in both batting and bowling.
Prithvi Shaw Earns Recall
Former Mumbai opener Prithvi Shaw has also been included after an impressive first Ranji Trophy season for Maharashtra.
Shaw scored 537 runs in 11 innings at an average of 48.84 during the 2025-26 campaign.
His standout performance came against Chandigarh, where he smashed 222 runs off just 156 balls, recording the third-fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history.
His return adds firepower to West Zone’s batting lineup.
Gaikwad Set for Middle-Order Role
Although Ruturaj Gaikwad has opened the batting in limited-overs cricket, he is expected to bat in the middle order during the Duleep Trophy.
The Maharashtra batter reportedly sees his long-term future in red-ball cricket in that position.
Gaikwad enters the tournament in good form after recently representing India A in Sri Lanka, where the team won both the one-day tri-series and the four-day series.
Ayush Mhatre Misses Out
Promising Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre was not considered for selection as he continues his rehabilitation from hamstring and wrist injuries.
The 19-year-old is currently recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after being ruled out of Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign following six appearances.
Selectors opted not to rush his return as he continues his recovery programme.
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Musheer Khan Rewarded
Young all-rounder Musheer Khan has earned a place in the squad following an excellent Ranji Trophy season.
The Mumbai youngster scored 446 runs and claimed 16 wickets during the 2025-26 domestic campaign, impressing with both bat and ball.
His all-round ability provides West Zone with an additional option in both departments.
Balanced Spin Attack
West Zone will rely on a strong spin department led by vice-captain Shams Mulani and fellow Mumbai spinner Tanush Kotian.
Gujarat left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai has also been included after a remarkable Ranji Trophy season in which he claimed 45 wickets at an average of 18.42.
The trio gives the team plenty of variety and experience in spin-friendly conditions.
Wicketkeeping Options
Saurashtra’s Harvik Desai is expected to be West Zone’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the tournament.
Gujarat’s Urvil Patel has been selected as the reserve wicketkeeper and provides additional batting depth.
West Zone Squad
West Zone squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shams Mulani (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Tanush Kotian, Harvik Desai (wicketkeeper), Jaymeet Patel, Urvil Patel, Siddharth Desai, Atit Sheth, Prithvi Shaw, Shivalik Sharma and Mukesh Choudhary.
Focus on the Title
West Zone reached the semi-finals of the previous Duleep Trophy before losing to eventual champions Central Zone.
With an experienced squad led by Ruturaj Gaikwad and strengthened by the return of Prithvi Shaw, the team will be aiming to go one step further and challenge for the first major domestic title of the new Indian cricket season.