The Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as the captain of the West Zone squad, with all-rounder Shams Mulani named as the vice-captain for the Duleep Trophy 2026.
The West Zone squad announcement was made on Monday following a meeting between the competition’s selection committee.
Previously, India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur led West Zone, where they failed to qualify for the finals as Central Zone grabbed the first-innings lead.
However, the change in captaincy seems to indicate that the association opts for a fresh change in the leadership. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has captaincy experience after leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL, and also recently part of the India A squad for the 50-over tri-series and red-ball game against Sri Lanka A.
The team consist of two wicketkeepers in Harvik Desai and Urvil Patel, ensuring strong options behind the stumps.
Apart from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw, the Khan brothers, Sarfaraz Khan, and Musheer Khan have been included in the squad. The batting lineup will be completed with the inclusion of Jaymeet Patel and Shivalik Sharma.
🏏 Congratulations to Our Stars! 🌟
The Gujarat Cricket Association proudly congratulates Urvil Patel, Jaymeet Patel, and Siddharth Desai on their selection in the West Zone SQUAD. Aarya Desai & Vishal Jaiswal are in St-By for the Duleep Trophy 2026/27.
Your dedication, hard… pic.twitter.com/3ZMr0MVnt3
— Gujarat Cricket Association (Official) (@GCAMotera) July 20, 2026
Meanwhile, spin bowling duties will be spearheaded by vice captain Mulani, Off-spin bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian, and left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai.
The fast bowling department features Thakur, alongside speedsters Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chaudhary and all-rounder Atit Sheth.
The selectors have also named a standby list to cover injury contingencies. Players like Jay Gohil, Aarya Desai, Arshin Kulkarni, Mahesh Pithiya, Vishal Jayswal and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.
As per the Duleep Trophy 2026 schedule, the first match will be played between East Zone and North East Zone. Meanwhile, West Zone will play their match against North Zone on August 23.
West Zone Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shams Mulani (vc), Harvik Desai (wk), Urvil Patel (wk), Jaymeet Patel, Prithvi Shaw, Shivalik Sharma, Siddharth Desai, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Atit Seth, Mukesh Chaudhary, Tanush Kotian, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande
Standby Players: Jay Gohil, Aarya Desai, Arshin Kulkarni, Mahesh Pithiya, Vishal Jayswal, Rajvardhan Hangargekar
