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Duleep Trophy: Andre Siddarth stood firm with an unbeaten 84, helping South Zone reach 426 and avoid an innings defeat, but Central Zone still need just 64 runs with all wickets in hand to win the title.

Arshdeep Singh, despite being India’s leading T20I wicket-taker and a World Cup hero, finds himself sidelined under coach Gautam Gambhir’s regime. From missing his Test debut at The Oval to warming benches in the Asia Cup, Arshdeep Singh is probably fighting the most gruesome battle of his career.

Central Zone dominated the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final, dismissing South Zone for a mere 149. Spinners Saransh Jain (5/49) and Kumar Kartikeya (4/53) wreaked havoc, exploiting South's batting frailties. Central Zone's openers, Danish Malewar (28*) and Akshay Wadkar (20*), then built a solid foundation, reaching 50 without loss at stumps, reducing the deficit to 99.

South Zone has announced their squad for the Duleep Trophy final against Central Zone, led by Mohammed Azharuddeen and Ricky Bhui. Andrew Siddarth and Smaran Ravichandran replace Jagadeesan and Padikkal, who are now with India A. South Zone aims to maintain their momentum, relying on Azharuddeen and Bhui to lead the batting against a strong Central Zone.

Shreyas Iyer will captain the 15-member India A squad for two matches against Australia A in Lucknow, starting September 16, announced BCCI on Saturday. Despite strong Duleep Trophy performances, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar were surprisingly omitted. KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj are slated to join the squad for the second game, replacing two players from the initial lineup.

In a dramatic Duleep Trophy semifinal, N Jagadeesan missed his double century by three runs due to a mix-up with Rickey Bhui, as South Zone posted 536 against North Zone. Nishant Sindhu took 5 wickets for North.

Narayan Jagadeesan's near double century helps South Zone build a huge total against North Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinals. The day saw strong batting performances and a tight contest as Central Zone began their reply to West Zone's big score.

Narayan Jagadeesan scored a sensational century on Day 1 of the first Duleep Trophy semi-final, scoring an unbeaten 148* (260) for South Zone against North Zone.

Shreyas Iyer's Asia Cup snub puts him in the spotlight as he aims to prove his worth in the Duleep Trophy semifinal. West Zone boasts a star-studded lineup, while Central Zone relies on Patidar's form. Injury concerns plague both zones, while South and North Zone face off in the other semifinal, each grappling with squad changes and player unavailability.

Ayush Badoni's unbeaten double century propelled North Zone into the Duleep Trophy semifinals, securing a first-innings lead against East Zone after their drawn quarterfinal match. Ankit Kumar missed his double century by two runs, contributing to a strong batting performance. Concerns arose for Mohammed Shami and Mukesh, who faced injury issues during the match.

Arshdeep Singh, after an unfortunate injury during the England Test series, showcased his readiness in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal. Despite not playing, he utilised his time in England to hone his skills, focusing on strength and conditioning.

Arshdeep Singh revealed how Mohammed Siraj supported him during a tough phase on the England tour. His advice helped Arshdeep enjoy difficult moments and stay mentally strong ahead of the Asia Cup.

Arshdeep Singh showcased his all-round abilities in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, smashing two sixes in a cameo and later impressing with the ball. Aquib Nabi's hat-trick helped North Zone dominate East Zone, securing a substantial first-innings lead. Arshdeep's performance, after recovering from a thumb injury, will boost India's confidence ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

Danish Malewar scored a brilliant double century while Auqib Dar claimed a hat-trick on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy. Their standout helped their respective teams establish control in the quarterfinal clash. 

Shubman Gill, recovering from a viral flu, is expected to arrive in Bengaluru to begin Asia Cup preparations at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He will undergo assessment and training due to unsuitable facilities near his home, and is likely to depart for Dubai from Bengaluru, joining other squad members.

Approaching 35, Mohammed Shami, despite subtle hints to retire, remains determined, eyeing the 2027 World Cup. In a Duleep Trophy match, his first red-ball game since November 2024, Shami focused on accuracy over speed, testing his body after injury. He bowled 17 overs, finding success in his third spell and eventually claiming a wicket late in the day.

In the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal, East Zone restricted North Zone to 308/6, highlighted by Mohammed Shami's return to First-Class cricket after a hiatus. Shami, initially rusty, improved his rhythm, taking 1/55. Young spinner Manishi's key strikes and Ayush Badoni's quickfire 63 also stood out.

Central Zone dominated the first day of the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, reaching 432 for 2 against North East Zone. Danish Malewar remained unbeaten on 198, while Rajat Patidar contributed a rapid 125. Their impressive partnership helped Central Zone build a strong foundation, with Malewar nearing a double century.

Rajat Patidar smashed a 96-ball century and Danish Malewar struck an unbeaten 198 to put Central Zone on top against North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. Mohammed Shami also returned with a wicket for the East Zone against the North Zone.

Mohammed Shami has dismissed retirement rumours, reaffirming his commitment to competitive cricket. The 34-year-old fast bowler returned to action for the first time since the IPL 2025, representing East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, which began on 28 August.