Sooryavanshi will represent East Zone in Duleep Trophy [Source: AFP]Duleep Trophy 2026 season is set to commence on August 23, and six top-quality sides will collide against each other for the coveted trophy. North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, and North East Zone will fight it out as the competition will bring out some of the best players in the country against each other.Some of the regular Indian T20I members will also be a part of the Duleep Trophy 2026, and the competition holds utmost importance as a solid performance in the marquee event could be their breakthrough to get into the red-ball side.In this article, we take a look at the Indian players who can get into the Test squad if they perform well in the Duleep Trophy 2026.1) Vaibhav SooryavanshiFormer India and Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid recently stated that he wants to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi do well in the Duleep Trophy, as it can open the path for him to play the longest format of the game.Sooryavanshi has all the tools to succeed in Tests, and he can be India’s X-factor in red-ball cricket, but for that, the upcoming Duleep Trophy holds the key.His first-class record has been average, but if he can deliver for East Zone in the marquee event, the selectors will automatically keep an eye on him. KL Rahul is not getting any younger, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form has been hot and cold.Hence, he can be a long-term opening option for India. The Duleep Trophy will feature some of the best bowlers in the country, and if a young Sooryavanshi can take them down, it can be valuable for him and for Team India.Sooryavanshi can be like Virender Sehwag, as the young opener could be tasked with taking down the bowlers in the early going in Tests, which seemingly demoralises them.2) Tilak VarmaTilak Varma has become a regular member of the Indian T20I team, but for years, he has been trying to get his breakthrough in the Test setup.In 23 first-class games, the southpaw has accumulated 1562 runs, with an average of 50. The numbers are outstanding, but the left-handed batter has yet to play a single Test for India.In the Indian Test middle order, Shubman Gill bats at 4, and Rishabh Pant plays at 5, but the number 6 spot still remains up for grabs. Dhruv Jurel is one of the contenders for the spot, but he has not been consistent enough, and that allows Tilak to grab the opportunity.Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2026 Schedule, Live Streaming, Live Telecast, Teams, Squads, VenuesIf he can score truckloads of runs for South Zone, the batter will catch selectors’ eye and could be one of the front-runners to be picked in the Test team.3) Arshdeep SinghWith Jasprit Bumrah out, the only experienced Test pacer the Indian team currently has is Mohammed Siraj. Prasidh Krishna is inexperienced, Gurnoor Brar is untested, and the team doesn’t have any other quality bowler, especially for overseas conditions.This is where Arshdeep Singh comes into play for India. Having a quality left-arm seamer is a blessing, and India could utilise him in overseas conditions for his swing bowling.The pacer has the ability to swing the ball both ways, and if he can deliver the goods in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, he can hog the limelight as India needs a wicket-taking pacer at the top in place of Bumrah.Final verdictThe Duleep Trophy 2026 holds importance for all the Indian players as they get a realistic shot at entering the Indian Test team. Several T20I regulars will also eye a spot in the red-ball team, but only if they deliver the goods.The batting dilemma could be solved by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Tilak Varma, and Arshdeep Singh could be a solid pacer to be incorporated for overseas conditions. But to get a place in the Indian Test team, they must perform in the Duleep Trophy.Also Read: Perform Or Perish! Marnus Labuschagne Issued Ultimatum By Australian Great
