Exhaustion Takes Its Toll on South Zone Players in Duleep Trophy Final

The Duleep Trophy Final has taken a toll on South Zone players, with captain Tilak Varma and pacer Mohammed Siraj showing signs of exhaustion under the intense Chennai heat. As East Zone sets a daunting total of 708 runs, South Zone faces immense pressure to respond effectively. This article explores the challenges faced by South Zone and the standout performances from East Zone, including Ishan Kishan's remarkable innings. Will South Zone rise to the occasion? Read on for an in-depth analysis of this gripping match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 19:30 IST

South Zone Faces Tough Challenge in Duleep Trophy Final

During the ongoing Duleep Trophy Final at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, South Zone captain Tilak Varma and seasoned bowler Mohammed Siraj appeared visibly fatigued. The match against East Zone, led by Ishan Kishan, has proven to be a grueling test under the intense Chennai heat.

Over the first two days, South Zone's bowlers and fielders struggled against Ishan Kishan's impressive batting display, which culminated in East Zone scoring a staggering 708 runs in 163 overs. Kishan's remarkable innings of 270 was pivotal in achieving this monumental total.

Tripurana Vijay spearheaded South Zone's bowling efforts, finishing with figures of 4 wickets for 180 runs over 42 overs, maintaining an economy rate of 4.30. Shreyas Gopal and Chama Milind contributed with 2 wickets each, but consistently taking wickets against East Zone's robust batting lineup proved to be a daunting task.

Tilak and Siraj's Viral Exhaustion Reactions

As East Zone surpassed the 700-run mark, cameras frequently captured the South Zone dugout, revealing the physical toll of the match. Tilak Varma and Mohammed Siraj were particularly expressive, showcasing their exhaustion after enduring over 160 overs in challenging conditions.

A video that gained traction on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), depicted Tilak and Siraj dramatically expressing their fatigue with exaggerated gestures. Tilak was seen heading towards the dressing room, seemingly too drained to stop for fans seeking autographs.

Meanwhile, Siraj, positioned near the boundary, was caught bending over with his hands on his knees, signaling the impact of Chennai's humidity and heat on his performance.

East Zone Dominates the Match

East Zone's batters relentlessly piled on runs, forcing South Zone's fielders to endure long hours in the sweltering conditions. On the first day, East Zone amassed 385 runs for 4 wickets in 79 overs, followed by an additional 323 runs on the second day, concluding their innings at 708 runs for 10 wickets in 163 overs.

Mohammed Siraj had a challenging outing, finishing the first innings without taking a wicket and conceding 140 runs at an economy rate of 5.60 over 25 overs.

South Zone's Response Under Pressure

With East Zone achieving the joint seventh-highest total in Duleep Trophy history, South Zone faces immense pressure to respond effectively. To avoid a follow-on, they must score at least 559 runs, a significant challenge as they prepare to bat under pressure at Chepauk.

The opening partnership of Ricky Bhiu and N Jagadeeshan will need to withstand the initial onslaught from East Zone's pace attack as play resumes on Day 3. Devdutt Padikkal, fresh off a strong performance in a recent Test series against Sri Lanka, will aim to maintain his form in the middle order.

Captain Tilak Varma, who previously scored an unbeaten 116 and 51 in the semifinal against North Zone, will need to replicate that resilience to anchor South Zone's innings. Additionally, Shaik Rasheed and Smaran Ravichandran will provide crucial support to stabilize the batting lineup.

East Zone's bowling unit, featuring experienced pacer Mohammed Shami in his 100th first-class match, along with Ankul Roy and Mukesh Kumar, presents a formidable challenge for South Zone as they attempt to defend their substantial first-innings total.