Duleep Trophy 2025-26: 5 Star batters who are not part of the tournament

The Duleep Trophy’s zonal return for 2025–26 was supposed to be a red-ball curtain-raiser that pitted India’s established names against the best of domestic cricket. Instead, the squad announcements delivered a surprise with several high-profile batters you would expect to see in a competition that tests technique and temperament were left out. 

Some are being rested, while others have not been picked due to various reasons; however, fans won’t be witnessing the presence of their favourite batters in the upcoming competition. Below are five star batters who won’t be featuring in this year’s Duleep Trophy, and why their absence matters.

1. KL Rahul 

KL Rahul’s name not appearing in the South Zone’s squad immediately sparked debate. Rahul is a proven middle-order batter who still offers technical solidity and has delivered several match-winning knocks in both white-ball and red-ball cricket. 

His exclusion from the zonal list triggered a sharp response from the BCCI, which sent reminders to state associations about selecting centrally-contracted players. The board’s reaction underlines how unexpected and significant the decision was. He was coming with a red-hot form in the recently concluded England tour and could have played a major part for the team here as well.

2. Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan has been one of India’s brighter young talents across formats, with significant run-scoring in recent domestic seasons and a growing international footprint. Yet South Zone’s squad also skipped him, a choice flagged publicly by the BCCI and covered widely in the press because Sudharsan is fit and available during the off-season. 

For a tournament that can be a springboard back into national reckoning, his absence is both surprising and consequential. He had a decent run in the England series with 140 runs from three games.

3. Karun Nair

Karun Nair’s recent return to first-class cricket had given fans reason to hope for a longer second act. Still, Central Zone’s Duleep list left him out. Reports suggest fitness and form concerns have complicated his immediate window of availability, and the selectors opted for other options as a result. 

Nair’s omission is notable because a strong Duleep campaign would have been the clearest pathway to rebuild his claims at higher levels. Even after having a brilliant domestic season last year, he has been left out this time around.

4. Ajinkya Rahane 

Ajinkya Rahane, a stalwart of India’s Test middle order for years, was another name missing from the West Zone squad. The right-handed veteran’s exclusion prompted local headlines and immediate fallout. Rahane stepped down from the Mumbai Ranji captaincy as well amid the domestic reshuffle. 

For a tournament that tests the ability to play long innings under pressure, leaving out a player with Rahane’s track record raised eyebrows. It also speaks to how selectors are prioritising different attributes, current form and youth over past achievement. 

5. Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson’s omission from the South Zone was another selection that drew attention. Samson remains one of India’s most dynamic batters and a keeper with international experience. Yet the South Zone squad named other wicketkeeping options. 

The selectors emphasised Ranji form when filling the role, a choice that nonetheless leaves room for debate about the balance between form and experience. Samson’s exclusion removes a high-impact, big-innings player from a tournament that rewards concentration and match-tempo management.

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