The Duleep Trophy has always been more than just another domestic competition. For decades, it has acted as a stepping stone for India’s next big Test stars, giving selectors a chance to assess talent under pressure.
This year, the tournament has taken on added significance as India searches for reliable batters at the No. 3 and No. 6 positions in the Test lineup for the upcoming West Indies series.
With senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravi Chandran Ashwin no longer around in red-ball cricket, and with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul not part of the current setup, the batting order has a couple of noticeable gaps.
The focus now shifts to a talented pool of fringe players—including Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar—who will use the Duleep Trophy as their audition for those crucial spots.
Why No. 3 and No. 6 Are India’s Biggest Concerns
In Test cricket, No. 3 is often called the “most difficult position” in the batting order. Walk in too early, and you’re facing fresh bowlers with the new ball; come in later, and you’re expected to stabilize or accelerate.
India has historically had legends like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara in this role. But since Pujara’s exit, consistency has been missing.
The No. 6 position, meanwhile, is equally tricky. This is the spot where game-changers emerge—a batter who can absorb pressure and counterattack when needed.
VVS Laxman once made this role his own, but in recent years, India has experimented with multiple names without finding a permanent solution.
The England-India battle finished level at 2-2 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, yet the underwhelming displays from Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair at No. 3 have raised concerns, with India eyeing new candidates for the crucial No. 3 and No. 6 slots.
This is why the Duleep Trophy 2025 is being closely monitored—it could decide who gets the nod for India’s future.
The Leading Contenders
Shreyas Iyer (West Zone)
A familiar face in India’s middle order, Iyer has already played crucial knocks in both white-ball and red-ball cricket.
Known for his composure against spin and his ability to rotate strike, Iyer could be an ideal candidate for No. 6. However, questions remain about his technique against quality pace bowling in overseas conditions. A strong Duleep campaign could silence doubters and push him back into contention.
Sarfaraz Khan (West Zone)
If domestic numbers alone were the criteria, Sarfaraz would have been playing Tests long ago. His first-class average, hovering near 70, speaks volumes about his consistency.
Time and again, he has shown the ability to play marathon innings and dominate quality attacks. His biggest challenge has been fitness and opportunities—but the Duleep Trophy could be the stage where he proves he’s not just a domestic giant, but also an international-ready star.
Devdutt Padikkal (South Zone)
Elegant and stylish, Padikkal has impressed in both domestic cricket and the IPL. While he’s often seen as a white-ball specialist, his red-ball credentials are equally solid.
His natural ability to play on the front foot and his patience make him a good fit for No. 3. Representing South Zone, Padikkal will look to showcase the temperament required for long-format cricket.
Rajat Patidar (Central Zone)
Perhaps the most underrated of the lot, Rajat Patidar has quietly built a reputation for being a dependable batter. His performances for Madhya Pradesh and in India A tours have caught attention.
Now, as the vice-captain of Central Zone, Patidar has the chance to not only score big but also show leadership qualities—something that could appeal to the selectors.
Tilak Verma (South Zone)
In the Duleep Trophy, Tilak Varma has also emerged as a strong contender for the No. 3 position, adding more competition alongside Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar.
Selectors Have Eyes on Bengaluru
The Duleep Trophy, played from August 28 to September 15 in Bengaluru, is expected to be a tough test for batters, with pitches that assist both pace and spin. With national selectors in attendance, every innings will be scrutinized.
According to reports, the BCCI selection committee is particularly focused on identifying consistent performers who can step into India’s middle order immediately.
With a packed red-ball calendar ahead, including the West Indies series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later, these performances could make or break careers.
At a Glance: International Representation by Zone
| Zone | International Players Present |
|---|---|
| East | Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan |
| Central | Dhruv Jurel (captain), Rajat Patidar |
| West | Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shardul Thakur |
| North | Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh |
| South | Tilak Varma |
In Shorts:
The beauty of Indian cricket lies in its depth, and the Duleep Trophy 2025 will once again highlight that.
Whether it’s Iyer’s experience, Sarfaraz’s hunger, Padikkal’s elegance, Tilak Verma, or Patidar’s reliability, each player brings a unique flavor to the contest.
What remains certain is this: India’s next No. 3 and No. 6 may very well emerge from this Duleep Trophy.
The selectors have a tough call ahead, but for fans, the competition promises excitement, drama, and perhaps the birth of India’s next red-ball star.
