KL Rahul to miss Duleep Trophy final; Siraj, Padikkal join South Zone for Chepauk showdown
While Rahul's absence is a blow to South Zone, the team will still have plenty of international experience at its disposal. Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal join the South Zone for the final
Xtra Time Newsdesk: India Test vice-captain KL Rahul is set to miss the Duleep Trophy final, leaving South Zone without one of their biggest names for the crucial clash at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
While Rahul's absence is a blow to South Zone, the team will still have plenty of international experience at its disposal. Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal join the South Zone for the final, while Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Suryavanshi continue to be part of the East Zone’s campaign.
For Siraj, the game will be another important step in his return to his best rhythm. The India pacer bowled a short, sharp spell and has been working his way back after operating in the 125-130kph range during India's recent stint in Sri Lanka. The Chepauk surface, expected to offer bounce on its red-soil pitch, could suit Siraj if he is able to generate his full pace.
The final was initially scheduled to be played at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru but was shifted to Chepauk to allow spectators to attend the match. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has announced free entry for the C, D and E lower stands, with the presence of several India stars expected to attract a sizeable crowd, particularly on Sunday, the opening day.
The buzz around the final has also extended beyond the players. Krishnamachari Srikkanth's wife has commented on watching the Duleep Trophy, adding another touch of local interest to a game expected to draw considerable attention.
Meanwhile, the final will be a particularly significant occasion for Shreyas Gopal. The leg-spin bowling all-rounder, who has spent the last two IPL seasons on the bench with Chennai Super Kings, will get an opportunity to play at his IPL home ground.
More importantly, the match will mark Gopal's 100th first-class appearance. Shreyas Gopal has established himself as a strike bowler for Karnataka across formats. His ability to contribute with the bat has also added balance to the side, making his milestone appearance an important one in his domestic career.
With Rahul unavailable but Siraj, Padikkal, Kishan, Suryavanshi and Gopal all adding intrigue to the contest, the Duleep Trophy final promises to be a high-profile domestic fixture at Chepauk.