Padikkal Siraj Bolster South Zone for Duleep Final

South Zone has been significantly bolstered by the return of India Test players Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj for the Duleep Trophy final against East Zone, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Chennai. South Zone captain Tilak Varma confirmed the additions, stating that both players bring valuable form and experience to the squad. While KL Rahul was also expected to join the South Zone team following requests from the BCCI, he will not participate in the final. Varma confirmed Rahul's absence ahead of the match. Padikkal, who recently scored 328 runs with two centuries in India's Test series against Sri Lanka, is expected to bat at number three. Varma described Padikkal's inclusion as a major boost to the batting lineup, citing his excellent recent form. Siraj, who also featured in the Sri Lanka Test series, returns to bolster the pace attack. His presence is particularly important as Vidwath Kaverappa, a standout bowler for South Zone in the semifinal, has sustained a niggle. C.V. Milind has been added to the squad as cover for Kaverappa.