After IPL Win, Captain Rajat Patidar Claims Duleep Trophy; Breaks 10-Year Jinx For Central Zone | Cricket News

Rajat Patidar receives the Duleep Trophy from VVS Laxman (Picture credit: Screengrab from X)

Central Zone overcame some tense moments to defeat South Zone by six wickets and win the Duleep Trophy after an 11-year hiatus on Monday.

Chasing a modest target of 65, Central Zone’s top-order batters were tested by South’s bowlers on a deteriorating fifth-day pitch at the BCCI CoE grounds, but they didn’t have many runs to defend.

Akshay Wadkar (19 not out, 52 balls) and first-innings centurion Yash Rathod (13 not out, 16 balls) were at the crease when Central surpassed the target, finishing at 66 for four in 20.3 overs to secure their seventh Duleep Trophy title.

However, South can take pride in their fightback in the second innings (426) and with the ball in the final innings, delaying Central’s path to victory.

Left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma dismissed Danish Malewar (5) with a sharply turning delivery that edged the Central opener’s bat to wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen.

He later took the wicket of Central captain Rajat Patidar, who attempted a hurried slog sweep and was caught at mid-on by MD Nidheesh.

Pacer Gurjapneet Singh, who earned an India A call on Sunday, claimed the scalps of Shubham Sharma and the promoted Saransh Jain, who was later named player of the series, creating some anxious moments for Central.

But players of the match Rathod and Wadkar guided Central home without further trouble.

For Patidar, it was his second title this year after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory in the IPL, and he was understandably delighted.

“Every captain likes winning trophies. But our players showed a lot of character throughout the tournament, and I am very happy about it.

“Here, the wicket was slightly dry, so we decided to bat first. I am pleased for Danish and Yash, they batted well throughout the tournament,” Patidar said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

South skipper Azharuddeen said reaching the final of the Duleep Trophy will serve as motivation for them in a long domestic season, which now enters the Ranji Trophy phase from October 15.

“We will improve from this experience; a long season lies ahead. Central spinners were hitting the right areas, and we made a few bad decisions as a batting unit. But we fought well in the second innings and are happy that we did not give up easily,” he said.

(With PTI Inputs)