Star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has confirmed his availability to participate in the Duleep Trophy, marking the beginning of the new domestic cricket season.
Iyer Back in Domestic Action
Shreyas Iyer has officially informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he is ready to play for the West Zone squad in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. This multi-day tournament is set to kick off on August 28, with the zonal selection process scheduled for Friday afternoon in Mumbai.
Iyer’s decision comes as significant news, as he looks to make an impact in the domestic circuit. His inclusion will undoubtedly bolster the West Zone side for the prestigious tournament.
Key Players Also Confirm Availability
Joining Iyer in confirming their availability are other prominent Mumbai cricketers. Middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan, who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, has also informed the MCA of his readiness to play.
All-rounder Shivam Dube and pacer Tushar Deshpande are among the other players who have confirmed their participation, according to sources within the MCA. Their presence will add depth and experience to the West Zone team.
Iyer’s Recent Journey and International Status
Shreyas Iyer has represented India in 14 Tests, scoring one century and five half-centuries. However, his last appearance in the longest format internationally was in February 2024 against England.
More recently, Iyer successfully led his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), to victory in the 2024 season. Despite his leadership success in T20 cricket, he was not selected for India’s current Test tour of England, with selectors opting for other domestic performers like Karun Nair.
Rest for India’s Test Stars
While some players are returning to domestic action, it’s understood that several members of the Indian Test squad currently playing in England will be rested. These players have been away from home for an extended period, approximately four months, and are likely to be given a much-needed break.
The West Zone selectors are reportedly not considering Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur for the Duleep Trophy, allowing them to rest ahead of a long domestic season. Similarly, the South Zone selection committee has opted not to include top players like KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, and Mohammed Siraj in their squad, prioritizing their recuperation.
The Road Ahead: Indian Domestic Season 2025-26
The Duleep Trophy marks the official start of the 2025-26 Indian domestic cricket season on August 28. The season is packed with action and is scheduled to conclude on April 3, 2026, with the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy.
Following the Duleep Trophy, the prestigious Ranji Trophy season will commence on October 15. Its first phase will run until November 19, with the elite phase resuming from January 22, 2026, to February 1, 2026, promising a full calendar of competitive cricket.
- Shreyas Iyer confirms availability for Duleep Trophy with West Zone.
- Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande also ready to play.
- Iyer recently captained KKR to victory in the 2024 IPL.
- Key Indian Test players like Jadeja, Shardul, Rahul, and Siraj expected to be rested from early domestic fixtures.
- The Duleep Trophy begins August 28, kicking off the 2025-26 domestic season.
The participation of top players like Iyer will add significant excitement and competition to the early stages of India’s domestic cricket calendar.
