Duleep Trophy: Yash Dhull faces semi-final doubt after hamstring injury
Synopsis
Yash Dhull's suspected grade two hamstring injury has thrown North Zone's Duleep Trophy semi-final plans into disarray — and reignited debate over a controversial selection call that benched Ranji Trophy's third-highest run-scorer in the quarter-final in his favour. With Uday Saharan set to join the squad and Sanat Sangwan likely to return, the team reshuffle adds high drama to Sunday's clash against a Tilak Varma-led South Zone.
Key Takeaways
Yash Dhull is reportedly set to miss the Duleep Trophy semi-final against South Zone due to a suspected grade two hamstring injury .
Former India U19 captain Uday Saharan is understood to have been called up as Dhull's replacement.
Specialist opener Sanat Sangwan , controversially dropped in the quarter-final, is now likely to return to the XI.
Dhull scored just 9 and 0 against West Zone after being selected ahead of Sangwan, who was the third-highest run-scorer in the previous Ranji Trophy season.
North Zone beat West Zone by 52 runs in the quarter-final and are boosted by the arrival of pacer Gurnoor Brar .
South Zone , last year's runners-up, will be led by T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma .
North Zone top-order batter Yash Dhull is reportedly set to miss the Duleep Trophy semi-final against South Zone, scheduled to begin on Sunday at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, after sustaining a suspected grade two hamstring injury. The development has opened the door for specialist opener Sanat Sangwan to return to the playing XI, partnering Qamran Iqbal at the top of the order.
Uday Saharan Called Up as Replacement
According to a source familiar with the situation, Uday Saharan — a former India Under-19 captain — is understood to have been called into the squad as Dhull's replacement. 'Though he was training today, Yash Dhull may just miss the semi-final clash due to a suspected grade two hamstring injury. It is understood that Uday Saharan could come into the squad in his place. This means chances of Sanat Sangwan playing the clash starting on Sunday are bright,' the source said on Saturday.
Controversy Behind the Injury News
Dhull's hamstring setback arrives in the wake of a contentious selection call during the quarter-final against West Zone, where North Zone coaches Ajay Sharma and Sarandeep Singh controversially dropped Sangwan — the third-highest run-scorer in the previous Ranji Trophy season — in favour of Dhull, who captained India to the 2022 Men's U19 World Cup title. The decision drew sharp criticism, as Dhull is not a specialist opener and managed only 381 runs in the 2025/26 Ranji season. He subsequently struggled against West Zone's pace attack, scoring 9 and 0, and appeared visibly uncomfortable at the crease.
North Zone Squad Updates
Despite the selection turbulence, North Zone head into the semi-finals with confidence after defeating a star-studded West Zone side by 52 runs. The squad has also been bolstered by the arrival of India pacer Gurnoor Brar. The source added that Sahil Lotra has been released from the squad, while Ayush Badoni is expected to be available after recovering from a bout of fever.
South Zone: Tilak Varma to Lead Strong Unit
Last year's runners-up, South Zone, will be captained by India's T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma. Their batting line-up includes Ricky Bhui, Shaik Rasheed, Narayan Jagadeesan, and Karun Nair. Leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal and left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan offer spin depth, while MD Nidheesh and Vidwath Kaverappa lead the pace attack. The semi-final shapes up as a compelling contest, with North Zone's squad reshuffle adding an extra layer of intrigue ahead of the first ball.
Point of View
The Ranji Trophy's third-highest run-scorer, for a non-specialist opener who then scored 9 and 0 raises uncomfortable questions about how North Zone's team management weighs domestic form against reputation. Dhull's U19 World Cup captaincy is a credential, not a performance guarantee at senior level. If Sangwan now walks back in by default, the coaches owe the squad a clearer selection philosophy — one that rewards runs, not pedigree.
NationPress
29 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might Yash Dhull miss the Duleep Trophy semi-final?
Yash Dhull is reportedly suffering from a suspected grade two hamstring injury that could rule him out of North Zone's Duleep Trophy semi-final against South Zone, starting Sunday at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground. He was seen training but is considered doubtful for the match.
Who will replace Yash Dhull in the North Zone squad?
Former India Under-19 captain Uday Saharan is understood to have been called up as Dhull's replacement in the North Zone squad. Specialist opener Sanat Sangwan is also expected to return to the playing XI as a result.
Why was Sanat Sangwan dropped in the quarter-final?
North Zone coaches Ajay Sharma and Sarandeep Singh dropped Sangwan — the third-highest run-scorer in the previous Ranji Trophy season — in favour of Yash Dhull for the quarter-final against West Zone. The decision was widely criticised as Dhull is not a specialist opener and struggled, scoring 9 and 0.
Who leads South Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final?
South Zone will be captained by India T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma. Their squad also includes Ricky Bhui, Shaik Rasheed, Narayan Jagadeesan, Karun Nair, Shreyas Gopal, Tanay Thyagarajan, MD Nidheesh, and Vidwath Kaverappa.
How did North Zone qualify for the Duleep Trophy semi-final?
North Zone qualified by defeating a star-studded West Zone side by 52 runs in the quarter-final. They head into the semi-final bolstered by the addition of India pacer Gurnoor Brar to their squad.
