East Zone are aiming to end a long wait for Duleep Trophy success. Their last title came in 2012-13, when they defeated Central Zone in Chennai to lift their second trophy. Ishan Kishan leads the side, with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi serving as his deputy. Sooryavanshi was East’s leading scorer in the semifinal, making 92 against Central before adding a quick 40 in the second innings.
East produced a strong all-round performance to overcome the defending champions. After both teams scored 266 in the first innings, Mukesh Kumar and Abhijit Sarkar took three wickets apiece. Mukesh returned with four more wickets in the second innings, while Mohammed Shami picked up three as Central were bowled out for 158. East then chased down 159 with four wickets remaining.
South Zone arrive with significant reinforcements. Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal have joined the squad after India’s 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka. KL Rahul, however, is not expected to feature. Tilak Varma will captain South after starring in the semifinal against North Zone.
Tilak scored 116 and an unbeaten 51 as South defeated North by seven wickets. Vidhwath Kaverappa took four wickets in the first innings, while Shreyas Gopal contributed 87 to South’s total of 312. MD Nidheesh then claimed five wickets in the second innings.
The final also has added significance for Mohammed Shami, who is set to make his 100th first-class appearance. With international stars on both sides, the Chennai showdown carries plenty of individual and team stakes.
