Duleep Trophy 2025 is gearing up for another season from August 28, and now all eyes are on Shreyas Iyer. The Mumbai batter has officially confirmed his availability to play for West Zone, signaling a potential return to red-ball cricket after a long absence from the Test arena.
Iyer, who last played a Test match in February 2024 against England, has spent over a year out of the red-ball setup despite being a key figure in India’s white ball sides. He was part of the squad that won the ICC Champions Trophy this year and played a crucial role in India’s 2023 World Cup campaign. Yet again, missed being part of the Test squad for the bilateral tour against England, a decision which raised eyebrows even after his outstanding middle-order performances for the team.
Now with the Duleep Trophy around the corner and selectors focusing on giving some Test regulars rest, Iyer has a chance to prove his red-ball credentials once again. With a Test record of 14 matches, 811 runs, and an average of over 36, Iyer is more capable than anyone else. After leading Punjab Kings to their first IPL Final in a decade and finishing as runner-up in the Mumbai T20 League, Iyer took on a brief vacation to Europe. But with the domestic season approaching, he is now fully focused on making an impact. He will be joined by the other Mumbai stars, including Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande, making West Zone a serious contender this season.
For Iyer, this match isn’t just about domestic appearance; it is about putting himself back on the field and getting back in the eyes of the selectors, making him a serious consideration for the future red-ball Test squad.
Duleep Trophy 2025:
This year’s edition of the Duleep Trophy has returned to its classic traditional form and will be played in the zonal format. Last edition, the tournament was played between Indian Teams with A, B, C, and D. With the old season coming into life again, all teams have started to build on their seriousness, and as one of the dominating contestants of the 2025 season. Following the same, West Zone will be stronger with the availability of Shreyas Iyer and other key players, making them a strong team to compete with.
