Duleep Trophy: Proven performers and top stars take centre stage in final showdown

The Indian cricketing calendar is jam-packed with international matches, the IPL and other State-run T20 leagues in addition to multi-format domestic competitions.

Nestled in this congested schedule, tournaments like the Duleep Trophy, once a marquee event in which the top players took part, are fighting for relevance.

Still, the powers that be have tried to keep the legacy events alive through numerous tweaks. Back in the zonal avatar since last year, this prestigious tournament is now the curtain-raiser for the domestic season, the summit clash of which will see South Zone take on East Zone here at the MAC Stadium from Sunday.

The next five days offer proven performers from last year and some of India’s top stars a chance to show their wares and fine-tune skills.

The arrival of Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj has bolstered the Tilak Verma-led South.

Padikkal, who recently scored centuries in both Tests against Sri Lanka, in which he was also the Player-of-the-Series, will look to continue his purple patch.

In contrast, Siraj looked off colour against the Islanders and needs to use this opportunity to find his rhythm again.

The red-soil pitch at the Chepauk should offer some assistance to the quick on the first few days, and Siraj needs to make it count.

For Shreyas Gopal — who played a crucial role with the bat (87) in South’s victory over North Zone in the semifinals — it will be a special occasion as he will feature in his 100th First Class appearance.

Joining him in the landmark will be Mohammed Shami, whom East will depend on to reclaim the Duleep Trophy it last won at this venue in 2012. The pacer bagged five wickets in the semifinals against Central Zone and would want to continue his fine show as he keeps banging the door for a return to the national side.

Though Ishan Kishan’s men might look like the underdog on paper, the presence of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gives the outfit an X-factor. A Sooryavanshi special in a big game in the longest format could be the perfect appetiser for the domestic season.