Overview
- The South Zone selection panel announced on Sunday, Aug 2, 2026 that Tilak Varma will captain a 15-player squad for the Duleep Trophy.
- Ricky Bhui was named vice-captain and MN Vikram Varma was appointed head coach to run the team's preparation and match plans.
- The squad mixes experienced domestic players such as Karun Nair with in-form youngsters including R Smaran, who scored 950 Ranji runs in 2025/26.
- The Duleep Trophy runs from Aug 23 to Sep 10 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and South Zone have a direct semifinal slot, opening their campaign on Aug 30 against the winner of Quarterfinal 2.
- The Andhra Cricket Association convened the selection meeting with representatives from all seven southern state units to pick the team and leadership.