Duleep Trophy: Gaikwad to lead star-studded West Zone squad; Mulani named vice-captain
New Delhi, July 20
India opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed captain of a star-studded West Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, with seasoned left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani named as his vice-captain.
The squad was announced on Monday following a meeting between the zonal selection committee for the competition to be played from August 23 to September 10 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) grounds in Bengaluru.
Last year, India's seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur led West Zone, who reached semi-finals of the competition, but didn't go to final as Central Zone grabbed the first-innings lead. Now, for the upcoming competition, the captaincy baton has gone from Thakur to Gaikwad, who also leads Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and was recently in India 'A' squad for 50-over tri-series and red-ball games against Sri Lanka 'A'.
The team features two specialist wicket-keepers in Harvik Desai and Urvil Patel, ensuring strong options behind the stumps. Apart from Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw and the prolific Khan brothers - Sarfaraz and Musheer - have been included. They are joined by Jaymeet Patel and Shivalik Sharma to complete a solid batting department.
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 six-member standby list to cover any injury contingencies. The standby players include Jay Gohil, Aarya Desai, Arshin Kulkarni, Mahesh Pithiya, Vishal Jayswal and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.
West Zone squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shams Mulani (vice-captain), 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, and Tushar Deshpande.
Reserve players: Jay Gohil, Aarya Desai, Arshin Kulkarni, Mahesh Pithiya, Vishal Jayswal, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Shams Mulani as VC is a good move, but I feel they could have given the captaincy to someone more experienced at this level. Gaikwad hasn't exactly set the red-ball stage on fire yet. Let's hope he proves me wrong! 🤔
West Zone looking stacked! Prithvi Shaw back in the mix, Shardul Thakur leading the pace attack, and Mukesh Chaudhary's left-arm angle - this is serious talent. But I really wish they'd give more chances to young bowlers like Rajvardhan Hangargekar instead of just keeping him in reserves.
Interesting squad selection! The batting depth is impressive with Gaikwad, Shaw, and both Khan brothers. But who's going to open the bowling? Tushar Deshpande has been expensive in domestic red-ball. Might be a weak link in this star-studded lineup.
The Khan brothers both in the same squad - that's the biggest talking point! Sarfaraz has been knocking on India's door for so long, and Musheer is making waves in junior cricket. Duleep Trophy is the perfect platform for them to show their class. West Zone are definitely the team to beat this year! 🏆
Solid squad on paper. But I've learned the hard way that IPL stars don't always shine in first-class cricket. Gaikwad needs to prove he can handle the longer format pressure. Also, Tanush Kotian is an interesting pick - he's been very consistent in Mumbai's local circuit. Let's see if he can step up! 🔍
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