---
title: "Tilak Varma Appointed Captain as South Zone Unveils Duleep Trophy Roster"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/tilak-varma-appointed-captain-as-south-zone-unveils-duleep-trophy-roster-38pcz
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Sports
published: 2026-08-02T18:28:50.000Z
modified: 2026-08-02T21:00:40.199Z
language: en-IN
---

# Tilak Varma Appointed Captain as South Zone Unveils Duleep Trophy Roster

India's T20 vice-captain Tilak Varma will lead the South Zone squad in the upcoming Duleep Trophy domestic tournament. The selection committee has balanced youth and experience by naming Ricky Bhui as his deputy alongside veteran Karun Nair.

## Key takeaways

- Tilak Varma, India's T20 vice-captain, has been officially named captain of the South Zone Duleep Trophy squad.
- Andhra veteran Ricky Bhui will serve as the team vice-captain for the tournament.
- The squad includes veteran Karun Nair and rising India A batter S.K. Rasheed to bolster the middle order.
- N. Jagadeesan has been selected as the primary wicketkeeper for the regional side.

## Leadership Changes and Veteran Presence

India’s T20 international vice-captain Tilak Varma has been handed the captaincy for the South Zone team in the forthcoming Duleep Trophy. The selection panel opted for stability in the leadership group by appointing Andhra mainstay Ricky Bhui as Varma's deputy. The squad also features Karun Nair, the veteran batter looking to re-establish his international credentials, providing a core of experienced players for the regional side.

## Emerging Talent and Specialist Roles

The roster emphasizes a transition toward younger batting prospects. India A representative S.K. Rasheed joins a batting lineup that includes Karnataka's R. Smaran and Hyderabad's K. Himateja. Former India A wicketkeeper N. Jagadeesan secures his place behind the stumps, while the bowling and all-round departments feature established names like Shreyas Gopal and V. Kaverappa.

### Complete South Zone Squad List

- Captain: Tilak Varma
- Vice-Captain: Ricky Bhui
- Batters/All-rounders: Abhinav Tejrana, S.K. Rasheed, K. Himateja, R. Smaran, Karun Nair, T. Thyagarajan, Shreyas Gopal, K. Sai Teja
- Wicketkeeper: N. Jagadeesan
- Bowlers: T. Vijay, V. Kaverappa, Aman Khan

Source: The Hindu — Sport

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/tilak-varma-appointed-captain-as-south-zone-unveils-duleep-trophy-roster-38pcz
Reported from: The Hindu — Sport