KL Rahul will not feature in the Duleep Trophy final between South Zone and East Zone in Chennai, with South Zone captain Tilak Varma confirming the India
batter's absence ahead of Sunday's title clash.
Rahul was among the India internationals added to South Zone's squad for the final, but he will miss the match. His absence opens the door for Devdutt Padikkal to bat at No. 3, while Ricky Bhui is set to move up to open.
Padikkal gets another chance to strengthen Test credentials
Padikkal will be one of the players to watch in the final after making a strong case for himself during India's recent series against Sri Lanka.
The left-hander scored two centuries while batting at No. 3 in that series and will now have another opportunity to make an impression in first-class cricket.
With India preparing for an away Test series against New Zealand, another substantial contribution in the Duleep Trophy final could strengthen Padikkal's credentials for a place in the Test squad.
His ability to bat in the middle order could also give the selectors another option as they assess their combination for the upcoming series.
South Zone chasing 14th Duleep Trophy title
South Zone and East Zone have met only once previously in a Duleep Trophy final.
That meeting came in the 1970-71 season, when South Zone secured a 10-wicket victory.
South Zone have since established themselves as one of the competition's most successful sides, winning the title 13 times. Their most recent triumph came in 2023.
East Zone, meanwhile, will be looking to add to their two Duleep Trophy titles. Their last championship came during the 2012-13 season.
The final will be played in Chennai on Sunday, with South Zone entering the contest without Rahul but with Padikkal handed a prominent role in the batting order.
