Sanat Sangwan picked for North Zone as Duleep Trophy opens in Bengaluru

Sanat Sangwan, a 25-year-old opener from Delhi, has been named in the North Zone squad that begins its Duleep Trophy campaign against West Zone at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Sunday. He told reporters in the national capital that his temperament is suited to red-ball cricket.

Once regarded as a launchpad for Test hopefuls, the Duleep Trophy no longer carries the same status it once did, but selection for the season opener remains a valuable recognition for top Ranji performers. Sangwan earned his place after a strong 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season in which he scored 828 runs in 14 innings at an average of 69, ranking third behind Karnataka’s R. Smaran and teammate Ayush Doseja.

Sangwan arrives at the First Class tournament after a spell in the Delhi Premier League, but says his preparation included specific work with the red ball. "Along with playing in the DPL, I had been practising against the red ball. To do well in red-ball cricket, you have to work harder. It is a more difficult format for openers since we have to face the new ball. I tend to prepare more for red-ball cricket in the off-season," Sanat said during a media interaction in the National capital.

Observers noted during his prolific Ranji run that Sangwan could wear down bowling attacks with long innings. He links that ability to patience and careful shot selection. "My temperament has been suitable for red-ball cricket from the outset. I look to ensure that my shot-selection is in sync with how I’ve prepared," he mentioned.

Sangwan outlined specific early-innings tactics he employs to limit risk. "I don’t play a cover drive in the first hour. I don’t play away from my body. You can still get out, but the chances reduce. It frustrates bowlers. Once you are set, you can open up." He also cited Virat Kohli and Lewis Hamilton among his sporting idols.

North Zone’s match against West Zone at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Sunday will open the zonal side’s Duleep Trophy campaign and provide the immediate competitive setting for Sangwan and his teammates.