Big Names Missing in the Duleep Trophy Final
The Duleep Trophy final between South Zone and Central Zone will be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. With several top cricketers away on Asia Cup duty or preparing for India A’s red-ball series against Australia A, both finalists will feature new faces. Despite the absence of star names, the final promises competitive cricket with fresh talent stepping up.
Central Zone Banking on Batting Depth
In the final, Central Zone will rely heavily on their batting strength. Danish Malewar, Rajat Patidar, and Shubham Sharma, three of the tournament’s leading run-scorers, form the backbone of their line-up. However, their bowling looks depleted, with four first-choice bowlers missing. Saransh Jain, who took eight wickets in the semifinal against West Zone, carries the spin hopes, while Deepak Chahar will aim to rediscover form with the new ball.
South Zone Look to Balanced Attack
South Zone enter the Duleep Trophy final with an inexperienced batting unit but a balanced bowling attack. Tanmay Agarwal, Ricky Bhui, and captain Mohammed Azharuddeen are expected to shoulder batting responsibilities. Gurjapneet Singh and Vasuki Koushik impressed with the ball in the semifinal and will look to continue that form. New inclusions like R Smaran and C Andre Siddarth could provide vital contributions if required.
Pitch and Conditions for the Duleep Trophy Final
The Bengaluru surface at Ground A, which will host the Duleep Trophy final, has proven to be a batting paradise. Both previous matches at this venue saw runs flowing freely, with few fourth-innings scenarios. However, bowlers may still find assistance if they hit the seam consistently. Rain showers are predicted during the five days, which could influence the outcome.
Spotlight on Rajat Patidar and Mohammed Azharuddeen
Rajat Patidar enters the Duleep Trophy final in red-hot form, with scores of 125, 66, and 77 so far. His batting consistency and leadership will be crucial for Central Zone. On the other side, South Zone skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen will want to deliver after missing out in the semifinal. With his strong Ranji Trophy and Kerala Cricket League performances, expectations will be high for him to lead from the front.
Anticipation Ahead of the Duleep Trophy Final
The Duleep Trophy final is set to highlight the next line of domestic stars, even in the absence of established players. Strong batting units, emerging bowlers, and the contrasting red-soil pitch promise a fascinating contest. Fans can look forward to a competitive clash as South Zone and Central Zone battle for the prestigious title.
