Patidar Praises Spin Duo Kartikeya and Jain as Central Zone Clinch Duleep Trophy

17 Sep, 2025 | 10:40 AM

Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar lauded the efforts of spinners Kumar Kartikeya and Saransh Jain after their match-winning performances helped secure the Duleep Trophy 2025-26 title with a six-wicket win over South Zone at the BCCI CEG Ground in Bengaluru.

The two Madhya Pradesh spinners shared 16 wickets between them in the final, with Jain being named Player of the Series, and Kartikeya playing a pivotal role throughout. Their efforts ensured Central Zone lifted the trophy for the first time since 2014-15, ending an 11-year title drought.

"They have played a lot of matches together for Madhya Pradesh and have the skill. They were very difficult to play on this pitch," said Patidar. "The track was good to bat on, but our bowlers dominated and made it tough for the other team. That was a positive sign."

Clinical Central in Flawless Campaign

Central Zone enjoyed a dominant run throughout the tournament. They cruised past North East Zone in the quarter-finals and edged past West Zone in the semi-finals on first-innings lead. In the final, Patidar opted to bowl first on a slightly dry pitch, a decision that paid off as South Zone were bundled out for 149.

"We wanted to bowl them out early in the first innings, and that made the game easier," Patidar explained. "Initially, we thought the wicket would assist fast bowlers, but after giving a spinner an over, we realised it was offering more help to spinners."

South Zone Left to Rue Missed Opportunities

L Balaji, head coach of South Zone, admitted that poor first-innings batting and missed chances in the second innings cost them the final.

"Had we got more runs in either innings, or had the partnership between Ankit Sharma and C Andre Siddarth been extended a little longer, it would have been a solid game," said Balaji. "A fourth-innings target of 150 would have been ideal."

Despite the surface offering significant turn, South Zone’s decision to go with three seamers and a lone spinner backfired. Ankit Sharma, their only spinner, picked up six wickets but lacked support at the other end.

"We stuck to our previous combination of three seamers. Had we won the toss, the third seamer could’ve had more impact. But I felt the bowlers gave it their all," Balaji noted.

He also criticised some of the shot selections in the first innings collapse, but remained optimistic about the team’s young batting unit.

"Some shots were unnecessary, but on the field, you need to give players the freedom to play instinctively. This is a young team and they will learn from the experience."

Siddarth Shines Despite Defeat

One bright spot for South Zone was the performance of 19-year-old C Andre Siddarth, who bounced back from a first-innings failure to score an unbeaten 84 in the second. His 192-run partnership with Ankit Sharma kept Central Zone in the field for longer than expected.

"We were under pressure, and Siddarth came up with a solid knock when we needed it. He has the temperament and talent to go higher," said Balaji.

Central Zone Spin Twins Dominate

Saransh Jain finished with match figures of 8 for 179, adding to his first-innings score of 69.
Kumar Kartikeya took 8 wickets across both innings, and his control on the dry surface was instrumental.
Jain was named Player of the Series, a testament to his all-round contribution throughout the tournament.

Final Match Snapshot

South Zone: 149 & 426
Central Zone: 511 & 66/4
Result: Central Zone won by six wickets
Player of the Match: Yash Rathod (194 in the first innings)
Player of the Series: Saransh Jain

With a well-rounded team effort and standout performances from their spinners, Central Zone ended their long title drought and laid down a strong marker ahead of the domestic season.