Captain Rajat Patidar has done it again! Fresh from leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to IPL 2025 glory, the dynamic captain guided Central Zone to a comprehensive 6-wicket victory over South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. This triumph marks Patidar’s second major trophy as captain in 2025.
The victory was built on dominant performances across all departments, with Patidar himself scoring a crucial century, Yash Rathod’s magnificent 194, and Saransh Jain’s all-round brilliance setting the foundation for Central Zone’s 7th Duleep Trophy title.
Table of Contents
The Road to Victory: Match Summary
Central Zone’s path to victory was clinical and comprehensive. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, they dismantled South Zone for just 149 in their first innings, with left-arm spinner Saransh Jain claiming a five-wicket haul.
Day 1-2: Central Zone’s Bowling Masterclass
- South Zone all out for 149: Complete batting collapse
- Saransh Jain (5 wickets): Spin bowling at its finest
- Kumar Kartikeya: Supported with crucial breakthroughs
The real damage came in Central Zone’s reply, where Patidar (101) and Rathod (194) combined for a massive 167-run partnership, taking the game completely away from South Zone.
Duleep Trophy Final 2025: Match Statistics
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Zone | 149 all out | 426 (Ankit 99, Siddarth 84*) | Lost by 6 wickets |
| Central Zone | 511 (Rathod 194, Patidar 101) | 66/4 (Target: 65) | Champions |
| Key Bowlers | Jain 5/-, Kartikeya 4/- | Kartikeya 4/-, Jain 3/- | Man of Match: Yash Rathod |
| Lead | Central by 362 runs | Target 65 runs | Series: Saransh Jain |
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Patidar’s Leadership: From IPL to Duleep Glory
Rajat Patidar’s captaincy credentials continue to shine as he adds another trophy to his impressive 2025 collection. His tactical acumen and personal contributions have been instrumental in both his IPL and Duleep Trophy triumphs.
Patidar’s 2025 Trophy Collection:
- IPL 2025 Champion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Duleep Trophy 2025 Winner with Central Zone
- Personal milestone: Crucial century in the final
- Leadership qualities: Led from the front in pressure situations
His 101 off 115 balls in the first innings proved to be the match-defining knock, combining technical proficiency with aggressive intent when needed.
Yash Rathod: The Tournament Star
While Patidar provided leadership, Yash Rathod emerged as the tournament’s standout performer. His unbeaten 194 in the first innings was a masterclass in patient batting, gradually shifting the momentum completely in Central Zone’s favor.
Rathod’s Dream Performance:
- 194 not out: Anchored the massive first innings total
- Match-winning knock: Took the game away from South Zone
- Finishing touch: Hit the winning boundary in the second innings
- Man of the Match: Richly deserved recognition
Rathod’s celebration after reaching his century – pointing upwards and roaring in triumph – captured the emotion and significance of his performance perfectly.
Saransh Jain: The All-Round Hero
Saransh Jain claimed the Player of the Series award with outstanding all-round performances throughout the tournament. His left-arm spin proved to be the tournament’s most potent weapon, consistently troubling batsmen across different conditions.
Jain’s Tournament Statistics:
- Player of the Series: Top performer across the tournament
- 5-wicket haul: Demolished South Zone’s first innings
- Consistent performer: Delivered with ball and bat when needed
- Future prospect: Strong contender for India A selection
His ability to extract turn and bounce from various surfaces made him the go-to bowler for crucial breakthroughs.
For detailed analysis of emerging cricket talents and domestic stars, check our emerging players section covering the next generation of Indian cricket.
South Zone’s Fightback Falls Short
Despite the eventual defeat, South Zone showed tremendous character in their second innings. After the first innings disaster, they fought back admirably to post 426, with several players making significant contributions.
South Zone’s Resistance Heroes:
- Ankit Sharma (99): Agonizingly missed out on a well-deserved century
- *Andre Siddarth (84)**: Showed fighting spirit until the end
- Smaran Ravichandran (67): Valuable contribution in crisis
- 192-run partnership: Ankit and Siddarth’s defiant stand
The 192-run partnership between Ankit and Siddarth on Day 4 provided hope and delayed Central Zone’s inevitable victory, showcasing the never-say-die attitude that makes domestic cricket so compelling.
Day 5: The Final Act
Central Zone needed just 65 runs on the final day with 10 wickets in hand – a formality that became slightly interesting when they slumped to 24/3. However, the target was too small for a dramatic turnaround.
Final day highlights:
- Early jitters: Central Zone 24/3 created brief excitement
- Ankit Sharma’s effort: Claimed 2 wickets to keep hopes alive
- Yash Rathod’s finish: Sealed victory with a boundary off Vasuki Koushik
- 6-wicket victory: Comfortable margin despite mini-collapse
Tournament Significance: Domestic Cricket’s Importance
The BCCI’s commitment to domestic cricket was evident throughout the tournament, with live coverage ensuring maximum exposure for emerging talents. The tournament served as a crucial platform for players seeking national recognition.
Tournament Impact:
- Live coverage: Star Sports Network and JioHotstar streaming
- Player development: Platform for India A and national team selection
- Quality cricket: High-standard performances across all zones
- Future stars: Several players enhanced their reputations significantly
Bottom Line: Patidar’s Golden Year Continues
Rajat Patidar’s remarkable 2025 continues with this Duleep Trophy triumph, cementing his status as one of India’s finest captains across formats. His ability to deliver both as a leader and performer under pressure makes him a valuable asset for future endeavors.
The victory also highlights the strength and depth of Indian domestic cricket, with players like Yash Rathod and Saransh Jain showcasing the talent pool available for national selection. Central Zone’s comprehensive victory serves as a reminder that consistent performance across all departments wins titles.
This Duleep Trophy final will be remembered for Patidar’s continued leadership excellence, Rathod’s batting masterclass, and Jain’s all-round brilliance – a perfect combination that delivered Central Zone their 7th title in style.
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