5 Duleep Trophy 2026 Players Who Could Grab India Test Squad Spot

The Duleep Trophy 2026 is set to begin on August 23, with six teams taking part in the tournament. There will be several standout players from across the country who will feature in this zonal first-class tournament.

Some players have already represented India in different formats but are yet to make an impact in red-ball cricket. There are also players who have been performing well in domestic cricket and are looking for one final strong performance to revive their careers and catch the selectors’ attention. If they perform well in the Duleep Trophy 2026, their careers could receive a major boost.

With India set to play Test series against New Zealand and Australia in the coming months, some of the players in this tournament could also put themselves in the race for a place in the Test team.

Duleep Trophy 2026 players who could earn a spot in India Test squad

Here are 5 Duleep Trophy 2026 players who could earn a spot in India Test squad:

Rajat Patidar

Having played 77 first-class matches so far, Rajat Patidar has played only three Tests for India. He made his Test debut in 2024 in the series against England but could not make the most of the opportunity. That was also the only Test series he has played for India.

In the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match against Punjab, Patidar scored his maiden double century. However, a knee injury later brought his red-ball campaign to a halt.

Now, as the captain of Central Zone, the Duleep Trophy 2026 could be an important tournament for Patidar. If he performs well, he could catch the attention of the selectors. In his 77 first-class matches, he has scored 5,509 runs at an average of 44.07.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in good form in red-ball cricket this season. He has scored 410 runs in five matches in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season at an average of 82.00. His runs include one century and three half-centuries.

Gaikwad has already played for India in T20Is and ODIs but is yet to make his Test debut. With strong competition for a place in the Test team, the Duleep Trophy 2026 could be an important tournament for him. If he continues his good form, he could be one of the players discussed for the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia after the Sri Lanka series.

Arshdeep Singh

A regular in India’s ODI and T20I teams, Arshdeep Singh is yet to make a big impact in red-ball cricket and catch the attention of the selectors. His last first-class match came in August 2025, when he played in the Duleep Trophy last season.

Due to the Asia Cup, bilateral series and the T20 World Cup, Arshdeep did not play in the Ranji Trophy this season. With Jasprit Bumrah facing fitness issues and only Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna playing regularly in Test cricket, India do not have many other pace options. Arshdeep could be an option because he is a left-arm pacer, an area where India have limited choices.

If he performs well for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026, he could be one of the players who may earn a spot in the Test squad. So far, Arshdeep has played 22 first-class matches and has taken 67 wickets.

Anshul Kamboj

After taking 34 wickets in six matches in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, including a 10-wicket haul against Kerala, Anshul Kamboj was called up to the India squad as a replacement for an injured pacer. He made his Test debut in the Manchester Test but could take only one wicket in the match. He was later left out of the India team.

In the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, he has taken 13 wickets in five matches but is yet to produce his best performance. He is still on the selectors’ radar, and a good performance for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 could help him return to the Test team. India are still looking to build a strong pace attack, so he could get another chance.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is having a very good season in his young career. He also made his debut for India in T20Is earlier this year. He is a player who can change the game with his batting and score runs quickly.

Red-ball cricket requires patience, and that is something Vaibhav will have to learn. If he can spend more time at the crease, he has the ability to score big runs. So far, he has played eight first-class matches and scored 207 runs.

Vaibhav will play for East Zone and has been named the vice-captain of the team. His performances will be closely watched, and a good run in this tournament could help him move closer to his maiden call-up to the Test team.

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