Duleep Trophy Final Set for a Thriller.. Tilak, Ishan Speak on Shami

The Duleep Trophy 2026 final is all set to begin on September 6 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with South Zone taking on East Zone. South Zone have received a boost with the inclusion of Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal, while KL Rahul will miss the final. Ahead of the title clash, South Zone captain Tilak Varma said his batters are prepared to counter veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Tilak said the team had closely observed Shami’s bowling in the semifinal and would look to tackle his disciplined line and length effectively.

East Zone captain Ishan Kishan, meanwhile, praised Shami’s experience, fitness and hunger for wickets. Kishan said age is merely a number and stressed that the veteran pacer still has the motivation to perform at the highest level. Shami played a key role in East Zone’s semifinal victory, while teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also impressed with the bat. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar is expected to be present in Chennai for the final, adding further significance to the performances of the players involved.