A premier national competition, it has frequently served as a selection trial for picking the national teams. A good performance in the Duleep Trophy has often been the ticket to a berth in the Indian squad. In recent years, many leading cricketers have been unable to compete in the Duleep Trophy thanks to the overcrowded international calendar, but the competition has always retained its prestige and importance. Central Zone have established their claims on four occasions. On three occasions, the trophy has been shared as the first innings have not been completed.
East Zone remains the only team yet to win the trophy.