In a disappointing update for the South Zone team, fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak has been ruled out of the Duleep Trophy 2025 and will not play any further part in the tournament. To fill the gap, his Karnataka teammate Vasuki Koushik has been added to the squad. Vyshak was included in the original squad, but before the team could even play their first match, he had to withdraw.
Vyshak had played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2024 IPL season but moved to Punjab Kings ahead of the 2025 season. He underwent a fitness test before South Zone’s opening red-ball match but unfortunately failed, which is a major setback for both him and the squad.
Tilak Varma Joins National Squad, Azharuddeen Assumes Captaincy
The South Zone team was originally going to be led by Tilak Varma from Hyderabad. However, Tilak has left to join the Indian team for the Asia Cup 2025. In his place, Mohammed Azharuddeen will take over as captain. Azharuddeen, who was originally Tilak’s deputy, will also serve as the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper.
In the first semi-final, South Zone will take on North Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru, starting September 4. The match will be played over four days, with Azharuddeen and his team looking to defend their title from the last edition, which they won under Hanuma Vihari’s captaincy.
South Zone squad:
Mohammed Azharuddeen (capt & wk), Tanmay Agarwal, Shaik Rasheed, Devdutt Padikkal, Mohit Kale, Salman Nizar, N Jagadeesan (wk), T Vijay, Ankit Sharma, Tanay Thyagarajan, MD Nidheesh, Ricky Bhui, Basil NP, Gurjapneet Singh, Snehal Kauthankar, and Vasuki Koushik
FAQ
Why was Vasuki Koushik added to the South Zone squad?
Vasuki Koushik was called up to replace an injured former RCB player who had to withdraw from the tournament.
Which tournament is this squad update for?
This update is for the Duleep Trophy 2025, India’s premier zonal first-class cricket tournament.
When does the first semi-final involving South Zone start?
The first semi-final begins on September 4, 2025, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru.
Who is the captain of the South Zone team?
Azharuddeen leads the South Zone team, guiding them as they aim to defend their previous title.
