K Naga Gangadhar Named South Zone Manager for Duleep Trophy 2026

Former Andhra Ranji cricketer K. Naga Gangadhar has been appointed manager of the South Zone team for the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2026. In addition, fellow former Andhra Ranji player Vikram Verma has been named the squad's head coach for the multi-team domestic competition.

The South Zone team is being led by India's T20 vice-captain Tilak Varma, with Andhra's senior batter Ricky Bhui named as vice-captain. The team has earned direct qualification into the semi-finals of the tournament and is scheduled to play its semi-final fixture in Bengaluru starting from August 30.

The Duleep Trophy 2026-27 season commenced on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) Ground in Bengaluru. The tournament features six zonal squads competing for the title, including South Zone, East Zone, North Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, and North East Zone.

Several prominent players from Andhra feature in the South Zone squad alongside vice-captain Ricky Bhui. The roster includes cricketers SK Rasheed, K. Sai Teja, and T. Vijay, providing strong representation from the state in the zonal lineup.

Following the announcement, Naga Gangadhar expressed his gratitude to the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) leadership, thanking ACA President Kesineni Shivanadh and ACA Secretary Sana Satish Babu for their backing and for facilitating his managerial role. Gangadhar stated that the appointment was a matter of pride for Andhra and pledged to do his utmost to support the squad's campaign and contribute to its success in Bengaluru.