Duleep Trophy 2025 Final: South Zone Collapse as Central Zone Takes Control

Duleep Trophy 2025 Final: South Zone’s batting lineup faltered badly on the opening day. Poor shot selection, lack of patience, and a comical run-out summed up their innings, as they were bowled out for 149 runs at the BCCI CoE Ground.

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Spin Duo Dominates

Spinners Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya exploited the conditions perfectly. Jain returned with figures of 5/49, while Kartikeya bagged 4/53, leaving South with no answers.

Central Zone Responds Strongly

Proving the pitch had nothing in it for bowlers once batsmen applied themselves, Central Zone cruised to 50 without loss at close of play, taking firm control of the final.

Batting Woes Continue

The trouble started with opener Mohit Kale (9), who played an ill-advised slog sweep and lost his stumps. Replacement batter R. Smaran also threw away his wicket cheaply. Tanmay Agarwal (31) showed promise but was involved in a disastrous collision with Ricky Bhui, leading to a comical run-out.

Key Dismissals

Skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen was undone by a stunning delivery from Kartikeya that clipped his off-stump. Later, Saransh tightened the grip, dismissing Ricky Bhui (15) lbw and stumping Andre Siddarth (12) with the help of keeper Upendra Yadav.

Kartikeya’s Redemption

Having missed earlier rounds, Kartikeya grabbed this chance with both hands. Known for bowling both orthodox and wrist spin, he said: “I was picked because some players were selected for the India ‘A’ team. It was very important for me to grab this chance.”

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