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Ayush Badoni's unbeaten double century propelled North Zone into the Duleep Trophy semifinals, securing a first-innings lead against East Zone after their drawn quarterfinal match. Ankit Kumar missed his double century by two runs, contributing to a strong batting performance. Concerns arose for Mohammed Shami and Mukesh, who faced injury issues during the match.

Arshdeep Singh revealed how Mohammed Siraj supported him during a tough phase on the England tour. His advice helped Arshdeep enjoy difficult moments and stay mentally strong ahead of the Asia Cup.

India's Test skipper Shubman Gill has reached BCCI Centre of Excellence for fitness checks ahead of Asia Cup 2025. Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammad Siraj and Shardul Thakur too are set to arrive at CoE for the mandatory pre-season assessment.

Arshdeep Singh showcased his all-round abilities in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, smashing two sixes in a cameo and later impressing with the ball. Aquib Nabi's hat-trick helped North Zone dominate East Zone, securing a substantial first-innings lead. Arshdeep's performance, after recovering from a thumb injury, will boost India's confidence ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

Danish Malewar scored a brilliant double century while Auqib Dar claimed a hat-trick on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy. Their standout helped their respective teams establish control in the quarterfinal clash. 

Shubman Gill, recovering from a viral flu, is expected to arrive in Bengaluru to begin Asia Cup preparations at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He will undergo assessment and training due to unsuitable facilities near his home, and is likely to depart for Dubai from Bengaluru, joining other squad members.

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami had a forgettable return to red-ball cricket as he leaked 100 runs in 23 overs, playing for East Zone vs North Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final.

Approaching 35, Mohammed Shami, despite subtle hints to retire, remains determined, eyeing the 2027 World Cup. In a Duleep Trophy match, his first red-ball game since November 2024, Shami focused on accuracy over speed, testing his body after injury. He bowled 17 overs, finding success in his third spell and eventually claiming a wicket late in the day.

In the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal, East Zone restricted North Zone to 308/6, highlighted by Mohammed Shami's return to First-Class cricket after a hiatus. Shami, initially rusty, improved his rhythm, taking 1/55. Young spinner Manishi's key strikes and Ayush Badoni's quickfire 63 also stood out.

Central Zone dominated the first day of the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, reaching 432 for 2 against North East Zone. Danish Malewar remained unbeaten on 198, while Rajat Patidar contributed a rapid 125. Their impressive partnership helped Central Zone build a strong foundation, with Malewar nearing a double century.

Rajat Patidar smashed a 96-ball century and Danish Malewar struck an unbeaten 198 to put Central Zone on top against North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. Mohammed Shami also returned with a wicket for the East Zone against the North Zone.

The BCCI has faced widespread criticism for not broadcasting the 2025 Duleep Trophy quarterfinals. Fans have expressed frustration over the lack of live coverage, with uncertainty still surrounding the semi-finals and final.

Central Zone captain Dhruv Jurel and East Zone skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran missed the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals, which began on Thursday, due to a fever and a groin niggle, respectively.

Mohammed Shami has dismissed retirement rumours, reaffirming his commitment to competitive cricket. The 34-year-old fast bowler returned to action for the first time since the IPL 2025, representing East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, which began on 28 August.

Central Zone captain Dhruv Jurel and East Zone skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran are not playing the opening round of their respective Duleep Trophy matches in Bengaluru. In Jurel's absence, Rajat Patidar is leading Central Zone and Riyan Parag is leading East Zone.

Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking to India Today, said Test selections are now increasingly influenced by both red-ball performances and white-ball exploits, urging youngsters to equip themselves to excel across all three formats. The batting great admitted he missed out on IPL deals after being labelled a Test specialist.

Sarfaraz Khan's unbeaten 109 propelled Mumbai against Haryana in the Buchi Babu Tournament, rescuing them from an early collapse. This century follows his earlier 138 against TNCA XI, solidifying his form ahead of the Test season.

The 2025–26 domestic season begins with the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru, a tournament doubling as auditions for vacancy in India's Test line-up. With questions over No. 3, No. 6 and pace depth, batters like Devdutt Padikkal, Shreyas Iyer and Sarfraz Khan, along with bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, aim to impress selectors ahead of home Test series against West Indies and South Africa.

The Indian home cricket season of 2025-26 starts with the Duleep Trophy. The tournament begins on August 28. It ends on September 15. The zonal format returns with North, South, East, West, Central, and North East zones competing. Matches will occur at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. South Zone and West Zone enter directly into the semi-finals.

Shreyas Iyer declined West Zone captaincy in the Duleep Trophy, leading to Shardul Thakur's appointment. Iyer, anticipating an Asia Cup call-up, focused on white-ball training but was surprisingly excluded from the squad. Meanwhile, Thakur is expected to lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, following Rahane's departure, after his strong red-ball performance and recent Test recall.