Duleep Trophy Semi-final 2025: West Zone vs Central Zone Match Preview
The Duleep Trophy semi-final between West Zone and Central Zone promises an exciting clash at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. With Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur in action, West Zone enter as strong contenders. On the other hand, Central Zone will lean on Rajat Patidar’s form to challenge a balanced opposition.
West Zone Strength in Duleep Trophy Semi-final
West Zone’s line-up for the Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone features experienced names. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, and Harvik Desai form a solid top order, while Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande add firepower with the ball. Spin duties will be handled by Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian. However, Sarfaraz Khan’s injury rules him out, with Shivalik Sharma expected to cover the middle order.
Central Zone Missing Key Players in Semi-final
In contrast, Central Zone will miss Kuldeep Yadav, who is away with India’s Asia Cup squad, and Dhruv Jurel, sidelined by a groin injury. Akshay Wadkar joins as wicketkeeping cover, while Rajat Patidar takes over captaincy. Patidar’s form, highlighted by a century and a half-century in the quarter-final, will be crucial against West Zone’s bowling attack. Alongside him, Shubham Sharma and Danish Malewar, fresh from strong knocks, add stability. The pace trio of Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, and Harsh Dubey will shoulder the bowling responsibilities.
Spotlight on Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar
This Duleep Trophy semi-final between West Zone and Central Zone also brings individual battles into focus. Shreyas Iyer returns to competitive cricket after the IPL 2025 final, eager to collect valuable red-ball runs. Rajat Patidar, meanwhile, is already in rhythm, and his leadership will be tested against a formidable bowling unit. Their performances could define the direction of the game.
Pitch Conditions for Duleep Trophy Semi-final
The surface at Ground B, where the West Zone vs Central Zone semi-final takes place, has proven favorable for batting. However, cloudy conditions in Bengaluru might offer early movement for fast bowlers. With both teams eyeing a place in the final, adaptability to the pitch could decide the outcome.
