Top 3 Players to Watch in Semi-Final Match: The Duleep Trophy 2026-27 has now reached its most thrilling stage. The teams from Central Zone and East Zone will face off in the tournament’s first semi-final on August 30. In this 63rd edition of the Duleep Trophy played from August 23 to September 10, 2026 defending champions Central Zone received direct entry into the semi-finals, while East Zone secured a spot in the final four after a spectacular performance in the group stage.
Both teams boast several outstanding players, but there are three individuals who possess the ability to single-handedly turn the tide of this high-stakes match.
3. Rajat Patidar – Central Zone
Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar shoulders the responsibility of leading the team to the final once again. Patidar brings vast first-class cricket experience to the table, having scored 5,509 runs in 77 matches.
In the previous Duleep Trophy, Patidar was the highest run-scorer (382 runs in 5 innings). His knocks of 125 and 66 in the quarter-final completely changed the course of the match. It was under his captaincy that Central Zone clinched the title after nearly a decade.
2. Harsh Dubey – Central Zone
Central Zone’s left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey could prove to be one of the most lethal bowlers in this semi-final.
Harsh, playing for Vidarbha, has claimed 136 wickets in 28 first-class matches.
Harsh’s recent record has been outstanding:
- Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Set a historic record by taking the highest number of wickets (69) in a single season.
- Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Continued his excellent form by taking 14 wickets in 3 matches.
His precise and lethal spin bowling is set to pose a major challenge for the East Zone batting lineup.
1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – East Zone
All eyes will be on East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is just 15 years old, during this big match. Having scored 215 runs in 9 first-class matches so far, Vaibhav has also made a significant impact with his bowling in this season’s Duleep Trophy.
He played a pivotal role in East Zone’s massive victory by an innings and 210 runs against North East Zone. As a left-arm spinner, he claimed 2 crucial wickets for just 11 runs in 3 overs. The team will be looking to him for a match-winning performance with both bat and ball in the semi-final.
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