The semifinal will kick-off on September 4 in Bengaluru.
The Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinal is set to kick off on September 4. South Zone will be locking horns with North Zone, and West Zone will be taking on Central Zone. While the semis offer mouthwatering action, several Indian stars like Kuldeep Yadav, Sarfaraz Khan, and Arshdeep Singh, amongst others, will be absent. The Duleep Trophy 2025 is crucial for India’s Test hopefuls to impress the selectors, especially with the home Test season lined up. Let’s take a look at some of the big names who won’t be available for the Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinal.
Notably, North and Central qualified based on a first-innings lead in the quarter-finals against East Zone and North East Zone, respectively, after both games ended in a draw.
On the other hand, the South and West Zone have made a direct entry to the semifinal by virtue of playing the Duleep Trophy final the last time the tournament was played in the zonal format in the 2023-24 season.
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Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is a big name who will be missing from the semis action due to his participation in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9. He will join the Indian contingent, which will leave for the UAE later tonight. In his absence, Yash Thakur has been added to the Central Zone squad.
Kuldeep had played in the quarter-final match against the North East but returned wicketless in the 20 overs he bowled.
Sarfaraz Khan would have been eager to showcase his red-ball mettle after failing to find a spot in the Indian Test team after the New Zealand series last year. India will lock horns against West Indies for two Tests in their own backyard in October, followed by a couple more games against South Africa in November. The Duleep Trophy was a fantastic opportunity for Sarfaraz to get the attention of the selectors. However, unfortunately, a quadriceps injury in the Buchi Babu tournament has now ruled him out. He has been replaced by Baroda batter Shivalik Sharma, who was among the reserves in the West Zone squad.
Arshdeep Singh is another name who would be gunning for a spot in the Indian Test team. With Jasprit Bumrah limited to three Tests, there was a chance for his maiden Test cap on the England tour. But he missed it due to an injury to his bowling arm ahead of the fourth Test.
Arshdeep was seen in action in the Duleep Trophy 2025 quarters against East Zone. But he will be missing the semis as he will travel to the UAE for the Asia Cup 2025 too. Gurnoor Brar is expected to replace the left-arm speedster.
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