Duleep Trophy 2026: 3 bowlers who could be picked for Indian Test team

Several bowlers made great impact with ball in first round of Duleep Trophy 2026.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 marked the start of a new domestic season in Indian cricket. Several seasoned cricket stars have returned to red-ball action in the Duleep Trophy, as this is an important phase for Indian Test cricket, as they are going through a phase of transition. 

The tournament that began on 23rd August is providing another massive opportunity for domestic performers to put themselves in contention for a spot in the Indian red-ball side. The Indian selectors are also in the quest for young bowlers who can bowl consistently and offer different skill sets. 

The early matches of the Duleep Trophy 2026 have already provided some encouraging signs, as several pacers and spinners came into the spotlight following a good show in the playoff round of the Duleep Trophy in the quest for a semi-final spot. 

For many players who are looking to break into the Indian Test side anytime soon, the Duleep Trophy is not only a mere domestic tournament but also a platform to showcase why they stand out from other fellow performers.

Playing against Indian internationals and experienced domestic players, many young cricketers bring out their best to shine on the big stage. These tournaments often strengthen their case for India A selections and eventually a place in the senior Indian Test squad. 

3 players who can have a Test breakthrough after Duleep Trophy 2026

3. Tanush Kotian 

28-year-old Tanush Kotian remains one of India’s most interesting spin-bowling all-rounders in the domestic circuit. The Mumbai-based off-spinner has already been around the national setup on multiple occasions but is yet to make his debut for the Indian Test side. 

His recent first-class record also provides a solid foundation. During the 2025-26 Ranji season, Kotian claimed nine wickets, while his performance against South Africa A in late 2025 gathered widespread attention as he picked up eight wickets in the game. 

Playing for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026, Kotian made an immediate statement with eight wickets in the fixture against West Zone and is now a strong contender for a spot in the Indian team, who are in the quest for a lower-order spin-bowling all-rounder. 

2. Sham Mulani 

29-year-old Shams Mulani has been one of Mumbai’s most consistent left-arm spinners in recent years in domestic cricket. The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season was particularly impressive for the youngster, who picked 30 wickets at an economy of 3.32. 

Mulani, playing as a lower-order bowling all-rounder, also amassed 328 runs in the Ranji Trophy season and was then appointed the vice-captain of the West Zone for the 2026 Duleep Trophy. Wicketless in the first innings, Mulani rose to the occasion and delivered a four-wicket haul in the second innings of the Duleep Trophy fixture against North Zone. 

1. Tushar Deshpande

31-year-old Tushar Deshpande is the only pacer on our list of bowlers. He has another opportunity to push his name into India’s Test conversation following a strong domestic record. India are in the quest for an additional pacer to relieve Mohammed Siraj of the additional pressure in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. 

The right-arm seamer from Mumbai has developed into a reliable wicket-taking option and can generate pace as well as movement with the new ball. In the Duleep Trophy 2026 opening game against North Zone, the West Zone pacer picked up a four-wicket haul in the first innings.

India’s need for a dependable domestic fast bowler ahead of their tour to New Zealand can be suitably met by Deshpande’s selection into the Indian Test side. 

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