Devdutt Padikkal, Mohammed Siraj Included in South Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy Final

Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj have been added to the South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy final against East Zone, which begins on Sunday, September 6, in Chennai.

The duo’s inclusion is part of the Indian team management’s plan to keep Test players match-ready ahead of upcoming international assignments. It is yet to be confirmed which two players they will replace in the South Zone squad.

South Zone captain Tilak Varma is also expected to feature in the final despite being part of India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. East Zone players Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan are likewise expected to play unless the Indian team management makes a late request for them to be rested.

The three players are part of India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which begins shortly after the scheduled conclusion of the Duleep Trophy final on September 10.

Tilak Keen to Play Final

Tilak had expressed his desire to play in the Duleep Trophy final after leading South Zone to victory over North Zone in the semi-final.

The left-hander produced an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 116 in the first innings and an unbeaten 51 in the second to guide his side into the final.

“I would love to play the final,” Tilak said after the semi-final. He pointed out that there would be sufficient time between the domestic final and the Afghanistan assignment to join the India squad and train.

Padikkal Returns After Strong Sri Lanka Tour

Padikkal enters the final on the back of an impressive Test series in Sri Lanka, where he was named Player of the Series after scoring 328 runs in three innings, including two centuries.

The Karnataka batter featured at No. 3 and played consecutive Tests for the first time since making his debut in 2024.

Padikkal got the opportunity at No. 3 after B Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series with a toe injury.

Sudharsan will not feature in the Duleep Trophy final but is understood to be nearing full fitness. He is expected to be considered for India A’s upcoming series against Australia, beginning September 22 in Puducherry.

Siraj Boosts South Zone Pace Attack

Siraj’s addition strengthens South Zone’s bowling attack, particularly after Vidwath Kaverappa picked up a niggle.

Kaverappa was South Zone’s standout bowler in the semi-final, and his fitness status could influence the final combination.

Siraj, like Padikkal, featured in both Tests during India’s tour of Sri Lanka and finished the series with four wickets.

South Zone have also brought in Siraj’s Hyderabad teammate CV Milind as cover.

The Duleep Trophy final between South Zone and East Zone will begin on September 6 in Chennai, with several players looking to make an impression ahead of India’s upcoming international commitments.