The stage is set for the Duleep Trophy 2025 final, and South Zone have made last-minute changes to their squad just days before facing Central Zone. The much-awaited clash begins on September 11 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, a ground that has seen its fair share of classic four-day contests.
This season has already delivered plenty of drama, and the build-up to the final took another turn when two of South Zone’s key batters, N Jagadeesan and Devdutt Padikkal, received call-ups to the India A side for the unofficial Tests against Australia A. While the selections mark an important milestone in their careers, it also leaves South Zone without two of their most dependable performers going into the championship decider.
Jagadeesan’s Heroics in the Semifinal
Few players have left as big a mark in this edition of the Duleep Trophy as N Jagadeesan. In the semifinal against North Zone, he played one of the finest innings of the tournament.
- Jagadeesan took an outstanding lead after his 197-run effort in the first innings.
- He also scored an unbeaten 52 runs in the 2nd innings.
He earned him the Player of the Match award and cemented South Zone’s place in the final. Replacing such a consistent and in-form batter was never going to be easy, but the selectors have put their faith in fresh faces.
New Names in the Squad
Andre Siddarth (Tamil Nadu)
Andre Siddarth finally gets his chance. The Tamil Nadu batsman has built his game around patience and sound technique – qualities often taken for granted until tested against top opposition. Not the flashiest player, Siddarth understands how to stay at the crease and wear down bowlers – qualities which may go underrated until put under strain against Central Zone’s attack in Bengaluru. His ability to dig in could prove invaluable against their attack!
Smaran Ravichandran (Karnataka)
The other replacement, Smaran Ravichandran, brings local familiarity with him. Karnataka batter Smaran can comfortably fit into both the top-order and middle-order positions, playing long innings. With Padikkal unavailable, this allows him to demonstrate the maturity required for tournament play.
Both newcomers will know they aren’t just stop-gap options; they have a real chance to grab headlines if they step up in the final.
Ricky Bhui Steps Up as Vice-Captain
Another key update from the selectors is the appointment of Ricky Bhui as vice-captain. Bhui has been around the domestic circuit long enough to command respect in the dressing room. With his ability to anchor the innings and lead by example, his elevation to the leadership group makes sense. Partnering with Azharuddin, the captain and wicketkeeper, Bhui’s role will go beyond just scoring runs – he’ll need to guide the younger players through the pressure of a high-stakes final.
Back-Up Options
The selectors have also named a set of stand-by players, keeping in mind the unpredictable nature of tournament cricket. The list includes:
- Mohit Redkar (Goa)
- Snehal Kautankar (Goa)
- Eden Apple Tom (Kerala)
- Ajay Rohera (Pondicherry)
- G Anikeeth Reddy (Hyderabad)
These players will be on standby, ready to step in if injuries or last-minute changes force adjustments.
Complete South Zone Squad for the Final
- Azharuddin (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Ricky Bhui (Vice-Captain)
- Smaran Ravichandran
- Kale M
- Sheikh Rasheed
- Tanmay Agarwal
- Salman Nizar
- Andre Siddarth
- Tanay Thyagarajan
- Gurjabneet Singh
- Nidheesh
- Kaushik V
- Ankit Sharma
- T Vijay
- Basil NP
Central Zone Await
South Zone’s opponent in the final, Central Zone, have been one of the most disciplined teams of the season. Their bowlers have hunted in pairs, and their batting has relied on collective consistency rather than individual brilliance.
For South Zone, the biggest task will be replacing Jagadeesan’s reliability and Padikkal’s flair. But unlikely heroes often fix finals, and this could be the perfect chance for players like Siddarth or Smaran to rise to the occasion.
The conditions in Bengaluru are likely to assist both spin and pace as the match progresses, which means bowlers like Tanay Thyagarajan and Basil NP could play pivotal roles.
Why This Final Is Crucial
The Duleep Trophy has always been more than just a zonal competition. It serves as a proving ground for those eyeing national selection. With India A and senior team scouts watching closely, strong performances in the final could open doors for bigger opportunities.
For players like Siddarth and Smaran, this final is the kind of stage they’ve probably imagined themselves on since their early days in cricket. For senior names such as Azharuddin and Ricky Bhui, it’s less about proving themselves and more about guiding the team to a trophy and stamping their legacy with silverware.
final Thoughts
South Zone head into the Duleep Trophy Final 2025 carrying a blend of disappointment and hope. Missing out on Jagadeesan and Padikkal is a blow, but the arrivals of Andre Siddarth and Smaran Ravichandran give the side fresh energy and enough balance to stay competitive. Ricky Bhui’s promotion as vice-captain adds another layer of stability to the leadership group.
The clash against Central Zone promises to be competitive and full of storylines. Whether it’s the emergence of new stars or the dominance of experienced campaigners, fans in Bengaluru are in for a treat when the two sides take the field on September 11.
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