Archive · 6 Sep 2026
East Zone Face South Zone in Duleep Trophy Final
East Zone and South Zone are playing the Duleep Trophy final.
The match is being held in Chennai on September 6, 2026.
East captain Ishan Kishan won the toss and decided that his team would bat first.
He said the pitch looked good but had some moisture.
South captain Tilak Varma said he would have chosen to bowl first.
South are relying on their fast bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj.
East have won the trophy twice but are trying to win it for the first time since 2012-13.
South have won the trophy 12 times, while both teams reached the final by winning their semifinals.
East Zone face South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.
East captain Ishan Kishan won the toss and chose to bat first.
South captain Tilak Varma said his team would have bowled first because of moisture and its pace attack.
Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal are included for South Zone, while KL Rahul is not expected to play.
East are seeking their first title since 2012-13; South have won 12 titles, most recently in 2023.
- Who
- East Zone and South Zone, led by Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma respectively.
- What
- They are contesting the Duleep Trophy 2026 final; East Zone won the toss and chose to bat first.
- When
- September 6, 2026, from Sunday.
- Where
- MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
- Why
- The teams are competing for the Duleep Trophy title.
East Zone’s Batting Decision
South Zone’s Bowling Preference
Choice at the toss
East Zone’s Batting Decision
Ishan Kishan chose to bat first, saying the surface looked decent despite some moisture and stressing discipline and senior players’ contributions.
South Zone’s Bowling Preference
Tilak Varma said South Zone would have bowled first because of the moisture and its fast-bowling attack, with Siraj expected to spearhead it.
Route to the final
East Zone’s Batting Decision
East Zone advanced after an all-round semifinal win over defending champions Central Zone, including a four-wicket chase.
South Zone’s Bowling Preference
South Zone advanced by beating North Zone by seven wickets, with Tilak Varma contributing an unbeaten century and an unbeaten half-century across the match.
Recent record
East Zone’s Batting Decision
East Zone are pursuing their third title and first since 2012-13.
South Zone’s Bowling Preference
South Zone have a stronger historical record, with 12 Duleep Trophy titles and their latest championship in 2023.
- Match
- Duleep Trophy 2026 final
- Toss
- Ishan Kishan won the toss and chose to bat first
- Venue
- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- East Zone record
- Two titles; last won in 2012-13
- South Zone record
- Twelve titles; last won in 2023
- East semifinal
- Defeated defending champions Central Zone by four wickets
- South semifinal
- Defeated North Zone by seven wickets
- South changes
- Mohammed Siraj, Devdutt Padikkal, Tripurana Vijay and CV Milind came into the side
