Duleep Trophy (India) 2026/27

The Duleep Trophy is a premier first-class domestic cricket tournament in India, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The competition sits in the top tier of the Indian domestic cricket pyramid, sharing this status with the Ranji Trophy, though the Ranji Trophy is generally considered more prestigious as the primary state-based championship.

The Duleep Trophy is distinct in its team composition: unlike the Ranji Trophy, which features teams representing individual states and union territories, the Duleep Trophy traditionally features teams representing geographical zones (North, South, East, West, Central, and North East). However, the format has fluctuated significantly over the years. From 2016 to 2020, the tournament used teams named India Blue, Red, and Green, composed of mixed experienced and emerging players, often played as day-night Tests with pink balls. In the 2024–25 season, it featured teams named India A, B, C, and D. For the 2025–26 season, it reverted to the traditional six-zone format.

The current title holder is Central Zone, which won the 2025–26 edition. Historically, West Zone is the most successful team with 19 titles, followed by North Zone with 18 and South Zone with 13. Notable records include Raman Lamba's highest individual score of 320 and Wasim Jaffer's record for most career runs (2,545). There is no promotion or relegation system. The tournament serves as a key platform for player development and national team selection trials, distinguishing it from the Ranji Trophy by focusing on zonal or representative team dynamics rather than state pride.