Duleep Trophy, now proudly known as the Mastercard Duleep Trophy thanks to a valuable sponsorship alliance. This prestigious domestic first-class cricket tournament has a rich history and is fiercely contested within the boundaries of India. Its name pays homage to the legendary Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji of Nawanagar, fondly remembered as ‘Duleep’, whose legacy adds a touch of grandeur to the competition.
Originally, the Duleep Trophy saw teams representing different geographical zones of India engage in fierce battles on the cricket pitch. However, since the 2016–17 season, the tournament has taken on a new dimension, with teams meticulously handpicked by the esteemed BCCI selectors, ensuring that only the best of the best compete for glory.
As the current champions, South Zone have proved their mettle and claimed the title with their exceptional skills and unwavering determination.
South Zone Triumphs in Duleep Trophy 2023 Finale
In an exhilarating finale at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, R. Sai Kishore emerged as the hero, delivering a spectacular performance on the fifth and final day. With his phenomenal bowling skills, he struck thrice, leading South Zone to a glorious victory over West Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2023. This remarkable win marked South Zone’s 14th triumph in this prestigious tournament.
South Zone captain @Hanumavihari receives the prestigious #DuleepTrophy 🏆 from BCCI President Roger Binny 👏🏻👏🏻
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) July 16, 2023
Congratulations to South Zone on their title triumph 🙌
💻 Scorecard – https://t.co/ZqQaMA6B6M#WZvSZ | #Final pic.twitter.com/eTej1d26PV
South Zone demolished West Zone by a substantial 75-run margin in the thrilling Duleep Trophy final. The game reached its climax as South Zone defended their total of 298 runs, showcasing their exceptional skills. Despite facing a formidable batting lineup featuring the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Suryakumar Yadav, Sarfaraz Khan, and Prithvi Shaw, West Zone fell short and were bundled out for 222.
The final day witnessed a riveting battle as West Zone, resuming from their overnight score of 182/5, fought valiantly but succumbed to the relentless attack by South Zone’s bowlers. They could only muster an additional 40 runs for their last five wickets, culminating in their defeat.
South Zone scored 213 and 230 in their innings, while West Zone managed 146 and 222.
History of the Duleep Trophy: A Glorious Chronicle
Duleep Trophy, first took flight in the 1961-62 season under the auspices of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). From its inception, this cricketing extravaganza captured the hearts of fans across the nation, setting the stage for legendary battles and unforgettable moments.
The inaugural edition of the Duleep Trophy witnessed an epic showdown between West Zone and South Zone, culminating in a resounding victory for the West. Displaying their dominance and prowess, West Zone secured a triumphant 10-wicket win over their southern counterparts in a final that etched their name into the annals of history.
As the years unfolded, the tournament gained momentum, becoming a breeding ground for exceptional talent. In the 1962-63 season, a captivating twist unfolded as four out of the five competing teams had their bowling attacks fortified by the inclusion of a West Indies Test cricketer. This infusion of international flair elevated the intensity and level of competition, leaving fans awestruck by the caliber of cricket on display.
Among the competing zones, West Zone has emerged as the undisputed behemoth, etching their dominance in the record books. With an astounding 19 trophies to their name, West Zone stands tall as the current highest trophy holder.
Format of the Duleep Trophy: Unveiling its Structure
The Duleep Trophy has undergone several transformations in its rich history, with changes in team composition and formats. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of this prestigious tournament.
Initially, from its inception until the 2014-15 season, the Duleep Trophy featured the participation of five Indian zonal teams: North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, and Central Zone. These teams would face off against each other in a knock-out format, generating intense battles and thrilling encounters. However, in the 1993-94 season, the tournament transitioned to a league format, adding a new dynamic to the competition.
In an effort to introduce fresh identities and enhance the level of competition, the 2002-03 season witnessed a significant change. The zonal teams were replaced by five new teams: Elite A, Elite B, Elite C, Plate A, and Plate B. These teams were formed from the newly introduced Elite Group and Plate Group divisions in the Ranji Trophy. However, this format endured for only a single season, as it was perceived that the new teams lacked a distinct identity.
Between the 2003-04 season and 2008, the original five zonal teams were joined by a sixth guest team, usually a touring foreign team. The inaugural guest team was England A in the 2003-04 season. However, from 2008 onwards, the guest team was discontinued, and the original five-team knockout format was reinstated until the 2014-15 season.
The Duleep Trophy underwent a brief hiatus in the 2015-16 season but made a triumphant return in 2016-17 with a revamped format. The tournament now featured three teams meticulously chosen by the BCCI selectors: India Blue, India Green, and India Red. These teams engaged in a round-robin tournament, with the top two progressing to the final. In this revived format, India Blue emerged as the champions. Notably, all matches were played as day-night encounters with a pink ball, adding an exciting twist to the proceedings.
In a recent development, the 2022-23 season witnessed the return of the original zonal format. The five zonal teams, North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, and Central Zone, were rejoined by a new addition, the North East Zone cricket team. This reintroduction of the zonal system adds a fresh dimension to the tournament, inviting fierce competition among the regional powerhouses.
As the Duleep Trophy continues to evolve and adapt, these changes highlight the commitment of the BCCI to nurture domestic cricket and provide a platform for talented players to shine.
Team Compositions in the Duleep Trophy
The composition of these teams is a fusion of talented cricketers who ply their trade for the esteemed state and city teams competing in the renowned Ranji Trophy. Let’s delve into the lineups that make up each zone:
1. In the North Zone –
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Punjab
- Services
2. Down in the South Zone, the cricketing heritage of –
- Andhra Pradesh
- Goa
- Hyderabad
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
3. The Central Zone showcases the synergy of –
- Chhattisgarh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Railways
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Vidarbha
4. Moving towards the East Zone, the dynamic lineups of-
- Assam
- Bengal
- Jharkhand
- Orissa
- Tripura
5. Witness the emergence of a new force in the North East Zone, as the cricketing aspirations of-
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Sikkim
6. In the West Zone, the cricketing giants of-
- Baroda
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Mumbai
- Saurashtra
Each zone’s composition is a testament to the diversity and depth of talent present in the cricketing landscape of India.
Past winners of the Duleep Trophy
The Duleep Trophy, has witnessed a multitude of winners throughout its illustrious history. Teams such as North Zone, West Zone, South Zone, and Central Zone have emerged triumphant in thrilling finals, showcasing their skill, determination, and the rich cricketing talent within the country.
| Season | Winner | Runner- up | Result | Final Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–08 | North Zone | West Zone | North won by 6 wickets | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| 1977–78 | West Zone | North Zone | Draw, West won by 178 (1st Inn) | Wankhede Stadium, Bombay |
| 1979–80 | North Zone | West Zone | North won by 104 runs | Wankhede Stadium, Bombay |
| 1982–83 | North Zone | South Zone | North won by 8 wickets | Wankhede Stadium, Bombay |
| 1986–87 | South Zone | West Zone | Draw, South won by 224 runs | Wankhede Stadium, Bombay |
| 2004–05 | Central Zone | North Zone | Central won by 9 wickets | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur |
| 2022-23 | West Zone | South Zone | West Zone won by 294 runs | SNR College Cricket Ground, Coimbatore |
| 1991–92 | North Zone | West Zone | North won by 236 runs | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, Valsad |
| 1969–70 | West Zone | North Zone | West Zone won by innings and 81 runs | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| 2005–06 | West Zone | East Zone | West won by 5 wickets | Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| 1996–97 | Central Zone | South Zone | Central won by 161 runs | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali |
| 2003–04 | North Zone | East Zone | North won by 59 runs | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali |
| 2018–19 | India Blue | India Red | India Blue by innings and 187 runs | NPR College Ground, Dindigul |
| 1998–99 | Central Zone | West Zone | Central won by 122 runs | N2 Stadium, Aurangabad |
| 1976–77 | West Zone | North Zone | West won by 9 wickets | Moti Bagh Stadium, Baroda |
| 1965–66 | South Zone | Central Zone | South Zone by innings and 20 runs | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Madras |
| 1975–76 | South Zone | North Zone | South won by 37 runs | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Madras |
| 1997–98 | Central Zone, West Zone (shared) | Draw | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | |
| 2008–09 | West Zone | South Zone | West won by 274 runs | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| 1985–86 | West Zone | South Zone | West by 9 wickets | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore |
| 2023 | South Zone | West Zone | South Zone won by 75 runs | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| 2019–20 | India Red | India Green | India Red by innings and 38 runs | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore |
| 2012–13 | East Zone | Central Zone | East won on 1st innings lead | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| 2017–18 | India Red | India Blue | India Red by 163 runs | Lucknow International Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| 1968–69 | West Zone | South Zone | Draw, West won by 82 runs (1st Inn) | Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad |
| 1974–75 | South Zone | West Zone | South won by 9 wickets | Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad |
| 1992–93 | North Zone | Central Zone | Draw, North won by 171 (1st Inn) | Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad |
| 2009–10 | West Zone | South Zone | West won by 3 wickets | Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad |
| 1990–91 | North Zone | West Zone | Draw, North won by 168 (1st Inn) | Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur |
| 1987–88 | North Zone, West Zone (shared) | Draw | Jayanti Stadium, Bhilai | |
| 2013–14 | North Zone, South Zone (shared) | Draw | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi | |
| 2011–12 | East Zone | Central Zone | East won by innings and 20 runs | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore |
| 1989–90 | South Zone | Central Zone | South won by 322 runs | Gymkhana Ground, Secunderabad |
| 2016–17 | India Blue | India Red | India Blue by 355 runs | Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Greater Noida |
| 1963–64 | West Zone, South Zone (shared) | Draw | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | |
| 1978–79 | North Zone | West Zone | Draw, North won by 140 (1st Inn) | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi |
| 1984–85 | South Zone | North Zone | South won by 73 runs | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi |
| 1988–89 | North Zone, West Zone (shared) | Draw | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | |
| 2014–15 | Central Zone | South Zone | Central Zone won by 9 runs | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi |
| 1999–2000 | North Zone | West Zone | Draw, North won by 101 (1st Inn) | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| 2006–07 | North Zone | Sri Lanka A | North won by 8 wickets | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| 1962–63 | West Zone | South Zone | West Zone by innings and 20 runs | Eden Gardens, Calcutta |
| 1980–81 | West Zone | East Zone | Draw, West won by 101 (1st Inn) | Eden Gardens, Calcutta |
| 1971–72 | Central Zone | West Zone | Central by 2 wickets | Central College Ground, Bangalore |
| 1961–62 | West Zone | South Zone | West Zone by 10 wickets | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| 1964–65 | West Zone | Central Zone | West Zone by innings and 89 runs | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| 1966–67 | South Zone | West Zone | Draw, South won by 68 runs (1st Inn) | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| 1967–68 | South Zone | West Zone | Draw, South won by 17 runs (1st Inn) | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| 1970–71 | South Zone | East Zone | South won by 10 wickets | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| 1972–73 | West Zone | Central Zone | West Zone won by innings and 172 runs | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| 1973–74 | North Zone | Central Zone | Central Zone won by 76 runs | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| 1981–82 | West Zone | East Zone | Draw, West won by 104 (1st Inn) | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| 1983–84 | North Zone | West Zone | Draw, North won by 58 (1st Inn) | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack |
| 2010–11 | South Zone | North Zone | South won by 7 wickets | ACA-VDCA Stadium, Vizag |
| 1993–94 | North Zone | West Zone | Round Robin | |
| 1994–95 | North Zone | South Zone | Round Robin | |
| 1995–96 | South Zone | Central Zone | Round Robin | |
| 2000–01 | North Zone | Central Zone | Round Robin | |
| 2001–02 | West Zone | North Zone | Round Robin | |
| 2002–03 | Elite C | Plate Group B | Round Robin |
As the Duleep Trophy continues to capture the imagination of cricket enthusiasts nationwide, each season brings new narratives and chapters to this storied competition. With its rich history, thrilling battles, and revered champions, the Duleep Trophy remains an emblem of the unwavering spirit and passion that define Indian cricket.
