East Zone vs South Zone LIVE Score, Duleep Trophy Final 2026: All Eyes On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As East Zone Opt To Bat

By Suresh

*The Duleep Trophy Final 2026: A Match Composed in Key of Rivalry* Chennai, Sunday — The MA Chidambaram Stadium hums with anticipation this morning, the way a hall does before the first note of a raga. East Zone, under Ishan Kishan's bat leadership, won the toss and chose to bat first in this Duleep Trophy final against South Zone. A fitting opening move — for East Zone, establishing their theme before the variations begin. **The Weight of History** Every final carries the gravity of those who came before. East Zone seek their first title since 2012-13, when they defeated Central Zone to lift their second trophy. For South Zone, the trophy cabinet stands far fuller — twelve titles, most recently in 2023. Such is the nature of rivalry: one side chasing glory, the other defending a legacy. Both understand the rhythm of pressure. **A Gathering of National Artists** As a musician who has felt the pulse of a cricket stadium's ceremony, I recognise when the finest players gather. South Zone welcome Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal to their squad, adding texture to their bowling and batting. Meanwhile, India's T20I trio — Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, and the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — stand ready in action. All eyes, quite rightly, rest on Sooryavanshi, whose name has become a whisper of promise this season. This final arrives before the international calendar reclaims these players — a rare interlude where domestic pride takes centre stage. Let us watch how the tempo unfolds. **Stay tuned for live updates.** Source: NDTV Sports