The two prominent figures, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj will come back to domestic cricket for the final fixture against East Zone of Duleep trophy to be held from September 6-10 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Both Padikkal and Siraj represented the Indian side in the recently concluded series in Sri Lanka which India clinched 1-0. Padikkal was by all means the biggest positive outcome for India from this particular series as he aggregated 328 runs in 3 innings, 2 of which are centuries and therefore was awarded ‘Player of the series’ award. On the other hand, Siraj also featured in both the Tests and went onto clinch 4 wickets to his name.

This inclusion of two international players from India is expected to add to the international experience of the South zone side going into the final clash against the East zone. It’s important to note that South Zone booked their place in the final after a comprehensive 7 wickets victory over North Zone in the semi-final while the East Zone sealed their berth after registering a 4-wickets victory against defending champions the Central Zone and thus this particular contest of final against East Zone by Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj will act as a great platform for the duo of the former and later mentioned to gauge with the conditions prior to India’s upcoming commitments.

Tilak Varma opens up ahead of Duleep Trophy final clash between South Zone and East Zone 

Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj are set to feature for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against East Zone in Chennai, giving the side a major boost. Padikkal is coming off an excellent Test series in Sri Lanka, where he scored 328 runs in three innings, including two centuries, and was named Player of the Series. Before the squad additions were confirmed, Tilak Varma had made it clear that he wanted to play the final. “I would love to play the final. This match has just finished, but I think the Afghanistan game is on the 13th. I am ready to play the final. After that we have two days of break in between, and if I report on the 11th also I can practise for a day and from there I can go and play the match.” 

Siraj will also return to domestic red-ball cricket after playing both Tests against Sri Lanka, where he picked up four wickets. His inclusion gives South Zone an experienced pace option for the title clash, while Padikkal’s recent form makes him an important part of the batting line-up. South Zone reached the final after beating North Zone by seven wickets in the semifinal, while East Zone defeated defending champions Central Zone to book their place in the title match. The final is scheduled to begin on September 6 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and will run until September 10.