India, Aug. 23 -- The Duleep Trophy 2026-27 will get the Indian domestic red-ball season underway on August 23, with six zonal sides battling for the prestigious first-class title. Defending champions Central Zone and last season's runners-up South Zone have earned direct entry into the semi-finals, while East Zone, West Zone, North Zone and North East Zone will fight through the quarter-finals for the remaining spots. The opening matches will be staged at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, with the final scheduled to take place at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The four-day tournament will feature several prominent Indian cricketers, including Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mohammed Shami, Is...