No KL Rahul but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan, Tilak to play Duleep Trophy final

No KL Rahul but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma will play the Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone in Chennai. Kishan, the East Zone captain, confirmed the availability of the full squad on the eve of the summit clash, while South Zone captain Tilak Varma revealed that senior wicketkeeper-batsman Rahul will be absent for the final.

There was some uncertainty over the participation of Kishan, Vaibhav and Tilak, the three players named in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series starting on August 13. Their availability for the Duleep Trophy final was subject to the approval of the Indian team management.

There were earlier reports that their participation in the Duleep Trophy final would depend on India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s approval. With the final set to begin on September 6, East Zone and South Zone will now have several of their biggest names on the field, although Rahul’s absence means South Zone will be without one of their most experienced batsmen.

Both teams enter the final after dominant semi-final performances, pitting two teams that have looked the strongest in the tournament.

AGARKAR WATCH DULEEP FINAL

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar will also watch the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.

Agarkar’s presence comes at an interesting time, with his future at the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) still uncertain. He was excused from the recent BCCI review meeting due to family commitments, but will now attend the summit of the domestic tournament.

Agarkar’s current contract runs until October 4. It remains to be seen whether BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia will discuss the matter of his extension with him during his stint in Chennai.

BCCI PLANS NET BOWLER FOR ASIAN GAMES

Meanwhile, the BCCI plans to take Mayank Yadav, Kartik Tyagi and left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan to Japan as net bowlers for the Indian men’s team at the Asian Games.

The move was made at the specific request of India head coach VVS Laxman, with the BCCI looking to provide the team with more bowling options during its preparations.

The trio will not be part of the official Indian contingent and are expected to remain only until India’s first men’s match on September 26.

“It has been customary for the BCCI to carry bowlers with a net and the trio are proven T20 performers,” the source said.

“They are not part of the official Indian contingent and will only be there until the Indian men play their first match on September 26, provided the BCCI can secure Japanese visas for them in time for the team’s departure from Delhi on September 20.”

The BCCI has applied for Japanese visas for the three fast bowlers as it works to finalize India’s support arrangements for the Asian Games.

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

05 Sep 2026 14:30 IST