South Zone vs North Zone Duleep Trophy Semi-Final 2025 Preview: Key Players, Team News, and Pitch Report
The South Zone vs North Zone Duleep Trophy semi-final 2025 promises a high-voltage clash in Bengaluru. South Zone will lean on Devdutt Padikkal and N Jagadeesan to carry their batting, while North Zone arrive in form after a strong quarterfinal win.
South Zone Face Key Absentees in Semi-Final
A depleted South Zone unit enters the Duleep Trophy semi-final missing Tilak Varma, R Sai Kishore, and Vijaykumar Vyshak. Injuries and national duty have hurt squad depth. Captain Mohammed Azharuddeen will now rely heavily on Padikkal and Jagadeesan for runs. Vasuki Koushik has been drafted in to cover the fast-bowling void, but the attack faces a stiff test against North Zone’s batting firepower.
North Zone Riding High After Quarterfinal Win
North Zone carry strong confidence into the Duleep Trophy semi-final after dominating East Zone. The top order impressed with centuries from captain Ankit Kumar and Yash Dhull. Ayush Badoni also struck an unbeaten double century to underline his form. Although Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are unavailable due to Asia Cup duty, Gurnoor Brar and Yudhvir Singh Charak will step in as replacements.
Spotlight on Padikkal, Badoni, and Nabi
Focus will be on Devdutt Padikkal in the South Zone vs North Zone semi-final. He returns to red-ball cricket after excelling in the Maharaja T20 Trophy. Ayush Badoni, fresh from his double ton, looks to extend his dominance at the same venue. With the ball, Auqib Nabi is expected to challenge South Zone. His ability to extract bounce and movement could expose a fragile batting order.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The Bengaluru surface has provided seam and bounce in the morning but eased out later in the day. Overcast conditions and recent rain may aid fast bowlers in the Duleep Trophy semi-final 2025.
High Stakes in Semi-Final Battle
The South Zone vs North Zone Duleep Trophy semi-final 2025 holds high stakes for both teams. South Zone will depend on Padikkal and Jagadeesan to cover for missing stars, while North Zone, strengthened by Badoni and Nabi, enter as favorites to take control.
