3 batters who can break into the Indian Test team after Duleep Trophy 2026

The Duleep Trophy 2026 got underway on August 23, 2026, with two quarter-finals being held simultaneously at two grounds inside the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. East Zone are battling it out against North East Zone on Ground 2, while North Zone and West Zone squaring off on Ground 1.

Several batters have used the early round to press their case for a place in India's Test setup. Three players in particular have caught the eye with their performances across the two quarter-finals.

3 batters who can break into the Indian Test team after Duleep Trophy 2026

3. Shahbaz Ahmed

Shahbaz Ahmed is a batting all-rounder from Bengal who represents East Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy. Coming in against North East Zone in the first quarter-final, he produced an outstanding all-round display that is difficult to overlook at the national selection level.

In the same match, Shahbaz scored 167 off 244 balls before picking up three wickets with his left-arm spin. That kind of contribution with both bat and ball makes him a compelling candidate for the Indian Test side, where all-round depth is always valued. People who have seen Shahbaz playing in the Indian Premier League would know that he is also a top-notch fielder.

2. Ayush Badoni

Ayush Badoni is North Zone's vice-captain in the 2026 Duleep Trophy and represents Delhi. He is a batter who also bowls off-spin, giving him a dual role that adds to his appeal as a Test prospect. The 26-year-old likes to keep the scoreboard ticking and is ideal for how the red-ball format is being played at this moment.

In North Zone's first innings against West Zone, Badoni struck 51 off 57 balls, batting with utmost ease. At the close of Day 2, he was unbeaten on 39 off 49 balls. North Zone had slipped to 190 for 7 at that stage, and Badoni's contributions on both occasions stood out amid a middle-order collapse. His off-spin provides a useful additional option for any side he represents.

1. Sudip Kumar Gharami

Sudip Kumar Gharami is a 27-year-old Bengal batter who plays for East Zone. He walked in against North East Zone with his side in early trouble at 25/2 and responded with a composed and attacking innings.

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Gharami scored 146 off 185 balls, hitting 25 fours and one six at a strike rate of 78.92. With Devdutt Padikkal having scored two centuries in Sri Lanka and appearing to have secured the No. 3 spot in India's Test order, Gharami could serve as a capable backup for that position. The right-handed batter is technically very solid and is equally good against spin and pace. He is capable of scoring quickly but can also play the waiting game if the conditions are in favour of the bowlers.