Duleep Trophy Heroes Who Might Make Wildcard Entry Into India Squad For WI Tests

Rajat Patidar starred as a batter and captain in Duleep Trophy [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

In a phenomenal achievement, Central Zone swatted aside South Zone by six wickets to claim an emphatic victory in the final of the Duleep Trophy 2025. After South Zone posted 426 runs in their second innings, the Central Zone cruised to the paltry 65-run target in 20.3 overs, securing the coveted title. 

As the Duleep Trophy has marked its conclusion, here are three players who might get into India's Test squad for the West Indies series due to their exceptional performance in the famed domestic tournament. 

Rajat Patidar

(Rajat Patidar's impressive numbers in Duleep Trophy 2025)

• As shown in the above table, experienced batter Rajat Patidar had a great Duleep Trophy season this year. The stylish right-hander from Madhya Pradesh struck 382 runs at an average of 76.40 and a strike rate of 96.95, finishing the tournament as the most successful batter. 
• Apart from showcasing his batting prowess, Patidar shone brightly as a captain, leading Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title with his shrewd tactics and inspirational leadership. 
• Patidar has been a part of India's Test plans in the past. While his inaugural stint as a Test batter was short-lived, his performance in the Duleep Trophy has certainly boosted the chances of his comeback, particularly after Karun Nair and B Sai Sudharsan's failure as reliable number three batters on the England tour. 

Saransh Jain

(Saransh Jain's exceptional returns in Duleep Trophy)

• Seasoned campaigner Saransh Jain has been a prolific performer for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit. He plays First-Class as an all-rounder, having scored 1591 runs and bagged 147 wickets in the red-ball format. 
• However, despite his all-round exploits, Saransh hasn't got an opportunity for the national side yet. But his recent performance in the Duleep Trophy might pave the way for his inclusion in the Indian Test side. 
• As the data presented in the above table suggests, Saransh was incredible as a bowler, deceiving the batters with his guile and scalping 16 wickets across four innings. His all-round prominence was evident, as he also scored 136 runs at a superb average of 68. 
• Therefore, considering his Duleep Trophy heroics and consistency over the years, it won't be surprising if Saransh Jain gets picked as one of the spin-bowling all-rounders for the West Indies Tests. 

Yash Rathod

(Yash Rathod's Stats in Duleep Trophy 2025)

• Middle-order batter Yash Rathod was one of the shining lights for Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025. Apart from scoring two magnificent fifties against North Zone, Rathod hammered a mammoth 194-run knock in the final against South Zone. 
• The left-hander's ability to counter ruthless bowling attacks and play out hostile spells can make him a valuable asset in the Indian Test side. So, with Rishabh Pant set to miss the West Indies Tests, if India want to include a specialist batter in their middle order, Rathod can be an excellent option for the home side. 

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