Chhattisgarh cricket has reached a significant milestone with two of its emerging talents, Sanjeet Desai and Ayush Pandey, earning selections for the Central Zone squad in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which begins on August 28. This marks a crucial recognition of the growing strength of cricket in the state and a major personal achievement for both players.
Sanjeet Desai, a consistent performer in domestic circuits, has been making waves with his solid technique and hunger for big scores. Known for his discipline and adaptability across formats, Desai was previously celebrated for scoring four consecutive centuries in the CK Nayudu Trophy, an U-23 competition. His selection in the Central Zone squad is a natural progression, reflecting his sustained performances for Chhattisgarh’s Ranji team and India’s junior sides.
Ayush Pandey, another promising youngster, has also earned his spot. A left-handed batter with the ability to contribute as a part-time spinner, Pandey has shown glimpses of strong temperament and technical proficiency. Though still in the early stages of his career, his inclusion points to the selectors’ trust in his potential to deliver at a higher level.
The Central Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy looks formidable this year. It will be led by Dhruv Jurel, with Rajat Patidar as vice-captain, and includes the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, and Khaleel Ahmed. The presence of experienced national and IPL-level players in the side makes it a competitive outfit, and a perfect platform for Desai and Pandey to showcase their talent under pressure.
The Duleep Trophy, scheduled from August 28 to September 15 at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, will feature zonal teams competing in the traditional red-ball format. Central Zone opens its campaign against North East Zone in a quarter-final clash. For Desai and Pandey, the tournament presents an ideal stage to prove themselves in a multi-day format, which remains the ultimate test for cricketers aspiring to play at the highest level.
Their inclusion also sends a strong signal to younger players in Chhattisgarh that consistent performance and dedication will be rewarded, regardless of the state’s lower profile in the cricketing hierarchy. It is a win for the state’s cricketing infrastructure, which has steadily developed over the past decade to nurture homegrown talent.
With India placing renewed emphasis on building a robust bench strength in red-ball cricket, standout performances in the Duleep Trophy often lead to India ‘A’ call-ups and national contention. Desai and Pandey now have that rare opportunity in their grasp.
Their journey to the Central Zone squad is not just a personal achievement, but a proud moment for Chhattisgarh cricket. As the Duleep Trophy approaches, all eyes will be on how the two perform against some of the best domestic cricketers in the country.