Rajat Patidar named Central Zone captain; Rinku Singh appointed vice-captain

Rajat Patidar will captain Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy, with Rinku Singh appointed as vice-captain. Off-spinner Saransh Jain has also been named in the squad but he is certain to miss at least the initial part of the domestic season opener since he is a part of the India Test squad to tour Sri Lanka.

Central Zone’s leadership for the tournament has been confirmed with Patidar taking the captaincy and Singh serving as his deputy. The squad list includes Saransh Jain among the players selected, although his international commitment means he will not be available for the early matches. The selections outline who will lead the side on the domestic stage while international duties overlap with the season opener.

Patidar will assume the on-field leadership responsibilities for Central Zone, supported by Rinku Singh in the vice-captain role. The designation establishes the primary decision-makers for the team during the Duleep Trophy. Team management will depend on this leadership pairing for continuity across the competition.

Saransh Jain’s inclusion in the squad recognizes his standing as an off-spinner, but the timing of his international assignment affects his availability. He is certain to miss at least the initial part of the domestic season opener since he is a part of the India Test squad to tour Sri Lanka. That international selection determines his absence from the team during the opening phase.

The announced captain and deputy provide a clear leadership structure for Central Zone as the tournament approaches. The squad contains players whose participation will be influenced by external commitments, with Jain’s Test call-up being a confirmed example. Team plans will account for such absences when finalizing matchday selections.

With Patidar and Singh established as captain and vice-captain respectively, Central Zone enters the Duleep Trophy with its leadership set. Saransh Jain’s confirmed absence from the early matches, owing to his place in the India Test squad to tour Sri Lanka, is the most notable availability issue in the selections.