Duleep Trophy: Will South and North Zones Shine Despite Player Changes?
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Synopsis
As the Duleep Trophy semi-final approaches, both South Zone and North Zone face significant player absences due to international commitments and injuries. Will they rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the final? Tune in for an exciting clash!
Key Takeaways
- Both South and North Zones face player absences due to international duty and injuries.
- South Zone captain Tilak Varma will miss the match, increasing pressure on his teammates.
- North Zone’s Anshul Kamboj may replace key pacers in the squad.
- Both teams aim to secure a spot in the final on September 11.
- The match promises to be an exciting contest.
Bengaluru, Sep 3 (NationPress) As international duties and injuries cause shifts in team line-ups, both the South Zone and North Zone are determined to perform their utmost when they clash in the Duleep Trophy semi-final scheduled at the BCCI CoE Ground on Thursday.
The South Zone will undoubtedly feel the absence of their captain, left-handed batter Tilak Varma, alongside fast bowler Vysakh Vijayakumar and left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore. Varma is heading to the Asia Cup in the UAE from September 9-28, while Vijayakumar and Sai Kishore are out due to injuries.
Without the in-form Varma, the pressure will be on skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen, vice-captain and wicketkeeper N. Jagadeesan, along with Ricky Bhui, Devdutt Padikkal, and Salman Nizar, who recently made headlines by scoring 11 sixes in 13 balls during the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).
The North Zone is also grappling with challenges, missing pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, who are set to participate in the Asia Cup. In their place, seam-bowling all-rounder Anshul Kamboj, who had a tough debut against England in Manchester, may step in.
Despite the absence of key players, North Zone can take confidence from the exceptional performance of all-rounder Auqib Nabi, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Moreover, the batting lineup shines with contributions from all-rounder Ayush Badoni, captain Ankit Kumar, and top-order batter Yash Dhull, all of whom scored centuries during their quarterfinal match against a struggling East Zone bowling attack.
This semi-final promises to be a captivating showdown as both teams seek to navigate their roster changes and earn a place in the final, kicking off on September 11.
Squads
North Zone: Ankit Kumar (C), Shubham Khajuria, Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, Ankit Kalsi, Nishant Sandhu, Sahil Lotra, Mayank Dagar, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, Shubham Rohilla, Gurnoor Brar and Anuj Thakral.
South Zone: Mohammed Azharuddeen (captain & wk), Tanmay Agarwal, Shaik Rasheed, Devdutt Padikkal, Mohit Kale, Salman Nizar, N Jagadeesan (wk), T Vijay, Ankit Sharma, Tanay Thyagarajan, Vyshak Vijaykumar, MD Nidheesh, Ricky Bhui, Basil NP, Gurjapneet Singh, and Snehal Kauthankar.
Point of View
The Duleep Trophy semi-final serves as a testament to the resilience of these teams. Despite their setbacks, both South Zone and North Zone exhibit determination and skill, providing a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans across the nation.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Duleep Trophy?
The Duleep Trophy is a first-class cricket tournament in India, featuring regional teams competing for the title.
When is the Duleep Trophy semi-final scheduled?
The Duleep Trophy semi-final is scheduled for Thursday, September 7, at the BCCI CoE Ground in Bengaluru.
Which players are missing from the South Zone team?
Key players absent from the South Zone include captain Tilak Varma, Vysakh Vijayakumar, and R. Sai Kishore due to international duties and injuries.
Who is leading the North Zone team?
The North Zone team is led by Ankit Kumar, who is also one of the key players in the squad.
What can we expect from the upcoming match?
Expect an exciting and competitive match as both teams aim to overcome their personnel challenges and secure a place in the final.
