South Zone captain Tilak Varma has confirmed that Devdutt Padikkal will bat at No. 3 when his team faces East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final on Sunday, September 6. Shaik Rasheed is expected to make way after managing scores of 0 and 1 in the semifinal against North Zone. Padikkal has made the most of his recent opportunity at the international level. He was drafted into India’s Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka after Sai Sudharsan suffered an injury and impressed with his performances.

The left-handed batter will now look to carry that momentum into the Duleep Trophy final. A strong performance could help South Zone reclaim the title after their previous triumph in 2023 while also strengthening Padikkal’s case for a longer run at No. 3 for India.

ALSO READ: Ajit Agarkar and Selection Panel Under Fire After India’s Afghanistan T20I Squad

“His coming into the side will really strengthen our batting line-up. The kind of form we have seen from him in the last two or three games has been really great, so having him will be a big boost for us,” Tilak Varma said during the pre-match press conference.

Mohammed Siraj is also expected to feature for South Zone after Vidwath Kaverappa’s injury. The experienced pacer will be keen to find his rhythm ahead of India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand. “It will be a big boost for us with the kind of form Siraj and Padikkal are in. It will be really helpful. They can share their experience with the players since we have quite a few young players in the side,” Tilak added.

Tilak also explained South Zone’s decision to use Ricky Bhui as an opener alongside Jagadeesan.

ALSO READ: Stuart Broad Ranks Jasprit Bumrah Above Glenn McGrath and Akram in His Top 10

“Ricky Bhui has played as an opener before, but he has been playing in the middle-order for some time now. He is a senior player and he can adjust to the role; that is why we thought he could open with Jaggi,” he said. Earlier, PTI reported that the selection committee had asked KL Rahul, Padikkal and Siraj to play the Duleep Trophy final. However, Tilak confirmed on Saturday, September 5, that Rahul has not joined the South Zone squad in Chennai.