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South Zone will head into their crucial Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinal against North Zone without the services of two of their most important players – captain Tilak Varma and spin bowler Sai Kishore.
Tilak Varma’s India call-up rules him out of Duleep Trophy semifinal
Tilak Varma, who was set to lead South Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal, will miss the competition entirely as he prepares for India’s Asia Cup campaign beginning September 9. The talented left-hander was expected to take the pivotal No.3 batting role for South Zone, but his India commitments have forced a reshuffle.
In Tilak’s absence, Kerala wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Azharuddeen will captain the side. He was originally named vice-captain, while Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan has now been elevated to the role of vice-captain.
Sai Kishore’s injury another blow for South Zone
Adding to South Zone’s woes, Sai Kishore continues to recover from a finger injury sustained during a first-division club match. The setback had already sidelined him from the Buchi Babu Tournament in Chennai, and he remains unavailable for the semifinal.
Sai Kishore’s absence will be felt, especially considering his consistency and control in the middle overs. His ability to choke runs and provide breakthroughs has been a vital asset for South Zone in recent seasons.
Replacements for Tilak Varma and Sai Kishore
South Zone’s bench strength will be tested as Ankit Sharma and Shaik Rasheed join the squad.
Ankit Sharma, the all-rounder from Puducherry, had a standout 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. He finished as his team’s second-highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches and also made useful contributions with the bat, scoring 216 runs. His dual skills could prove valuable in balancing the playing XI.
Shaik Rasheed, fresh off a stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025, was Andhra’s most reliable batter in the last domestic season. With 627 runs in 12 innings, he emerged as the team’s highest run-getter in the Ranji Trophy, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and play under pressure.
Both players will be eager to seize the opportunity on a big stage.
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North Zone awaits South Zone in Bengaluru
South Zone’s semifinal opponents, North Zone, advanced despite a drawn quarterfinal against East Zone, courtesy of a first-innings lead. The showdown in Bengaluru – starting September 4 – promises to be a tightly contested encounter, with both teams hungry for a place in the final.
South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy semifinal
Mohammed Azharuddeen (c & wk), Tanmay Agarwal, Shaik Rasheed, Devdutt Padikkal, Mohit Kale, Salman Nizar, N Jagadeesan (vc & wk), T Vijay, Ankit Sharma, Tanay Thyagarajan, Vyshak Vijaykumar, MD Nidheesh, Ricky Bhui, Basil NP, Gurjapneet Singh, Snehal Kauthankar.
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