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In a new step for developing leadership. Experienced fast bowler Shardul Thakur has been named captain of the West Zone team for the 2025 Duleep Trophy, Which starts on August 28. This decision was made by the zonal selectors on Thursday. It sets the stage for a tough and exciting tournament that kicks off the 2025-26 domestic season in India. Fans often call Thakur "Lord Shardul" because he performs well in tough situations. He has played in all formats for India and his leadership will bring a mix of calm and energy to the West Zone squad. West Zone has a mix of young talent and experienced players. Some key names in the squad are: Yashasvi Jaiswal - The left-handed batter is known for his exciting style and is making a name for himself. Shreyas Iyer - He's back after an injury and wants to prove himself for a place in the national team. Sarfaraz Khan - A top run-scorer in domestic cricket, he adds strength in the middle order. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shams Mulani, and Tushar Deshpande also make up a solid group. Notably, older players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were left out. This might be a sign that the team is focusing more on younger players. As both have had trouble staying in the national setup. Shardul Thakur's captaincy is real and meaningful. He is known for his hard work and fight on the field. His strong performances in Tests. Especially in Australia and England, have made him a trusted player. In domestic cricket, his bold approach and smart thinking have worked well. His leadership will help players like Ashwin Kotian, Dharmendra Jadeja, and Shaunak Nagwaswala as they try to move up in the ranks. The Duleep Trophy is now more than just a local competition. It's a key event for players aiming to play red-ball cricket for India. Strong showings here often lead to selection in India A or even the senior team. The zonal format, which returned last season. Gives players a chance to play high-level cricket and represent

In a remarkable show of skill, consistency, and leadership, Shubman Gill has etched his name into Indian cricket history by scoring 754 runs in a single Test series - surpassing the long-standing record of 732 runs set by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. This achievement not only highlights Gill's prowess with the bat but also marks a significant milestone as he now holds the record for the most runs by an Indian in a Test series as captain. Gill, who was appointed as captain for the series following a phase of transition in Indian cricket, embraced the responsibility with remarkable maturity. His elegant strokeplay, tactical acumen, and relentless hunger for runs were on display throughout the series. From gritty knocks on difficult pitches to fluent centuries in pressure situations, Gill's batting performance was a masterclass in adapting to conditions and taking on the opposition. The record-breaking feat came during India's recent Test series, which saw them face a formidable opponent in a tightly contested battle. Gill opened the innings in each match and demonstrated his trademark composure and aggression. His standout innings included a scintillating double century in the second Test and back-to-back centuries in the fourth and fifth Tests - performances that were pivotal in turning the tide of the series in India's favor. What makes this achievement even more special is the company Gill now shares in the record books. Sunil Gavaskar's record of 732 runs in the 1971 series against the West Indies had stood tall for over five decades. Gavaskar's dominance during that era laid the foundation for Indian batting legacy, and now, Gill has carried that baton forward in the modern era. Cricket experts and fans alike have lauded Gill's incredible feat. Former cricketers praised his technical finesse, temperament, and ability to lead from the front. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to rotate strike while accelerating when needed were the hallmarks of