The hallowed grounds of the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru are set to host the grand finale of the Duleep Trophy 2025, a fitting stage for the ultimate Red-Ball Cricket battle. In a clash that promises to be a riveting contest of pedigree versus power, the mighty South Zone locks horns with the formidable Central Zone on Thursday, September 11.
Both teams navigated their way to the final through the classic, time-tested route of the first-innings lead, showcasing the very essence of the multi-day format. However, the build-up to the final has been influenced by the national call-up dynamic, with several key players departing for the India A vs Australia A series, thrusting new faces into the spotlight and testing the squads’ depth.
Road to the Final: Commanding Performances
South Zone, under the astute leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Azharuddeen, sent a strong message in their semi-final. They piled on a mammoth 536 runs against North Zone, securing a commanding 175-run first-innings lead. This batting juggernaut, featuring the likes of the consistent Ricky Bhui and the prolific Tanmay Agarwal, demonstrated why they are considered favourites.
Not to be outdone, Central Zone, captained by the experienced Rajat Patidar, displayed immense character and skill. Replying to West Zone’s strong total of 438, they constructed an even more imposing 600-run innings, taking a decisive 162-run lead. This performance, built on collective effort rather than a single individual, highlighted their resilience and batting strength.
Key Players and Tactical Battles
The final will be decided by key individual duels within the larger war.
- South Zone’s Batting Powerhouse: All eyes will be on skipper Azharuddeen and vice-captain Ricky Bhui to provide stability. The tournament offers a perfect platform for a player like Sheikh Rasheed to announce his return to the forefront of domestic cricket.
- Central Zone’s Middle-Order Might: The leadership of Rajat Patidar will be crucial. His experience in high-pressure situations is invaluable. They will also rely on the all-round abilities of Saransh Jain and the pace of Kuldeep Sen to break through South’s strong batting line-up.
- The Bowling Showdown: The battle between South’s spin duo of Tanay Thyagarajan and Ankit Sharma against Central’s seasoned campaigner Kumar Kartikeya Singh could very well dictate the flow of the game on what is expected to be a sporting Bengaluru wicket.
The X-Factors and Live Streaming Details
With squads reshuffled due to national commitments, the #FutureStars who step up will become instant heroes. This match is more than just a trophy; it’s a direct audition for national selectors, a testament to the #DepthInIndianCricket.
Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the action from the #DuleepTrophyFinal live from 9:30 AM IST.
- Live Broadcast: The match will be televised on the Star Sports Khel channel.
- Live Streaming: For those on the move, the game will be live-streamed on the JioCinema and Hotstar apps and websites.
Conclusion: A Battle for Legacy
The Duleep Trophy remains one of domestic cricket’s most coveted titles. As South Zone and Central Zone prepare for this five-day marathon, it sets the stage for a classic encounter. Will South’s traditional dominance prevail, or will Central’s gritty resilience script a new chapter? One thing is certain: Bengaluru is ready for a spectacular celebration of #RedBallCricket.