Rajat Patidar hijacks Shreyas Iyer’s Test return, sends strong message to Ajit Agarkar with Duleep Trophy heroics

Rajat Patidar has delivered a remarkable performance on Day 2 while leading the Central Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2025 Final against the South Zone on Friday, September 12, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru.

The Central Zone captain has been in sensational form in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2025, making his case strong for India's chances while overshadowing the hype surrounding Shreyas Iyer. Earlier, Patidar played a strong knock of 125 off 96 balls in the first innings, followed it up with a solid 66 off 72 in the second innings of the Duleep Trophy 2025 quarter-final.

Rajat Patidar’s century puts pressure on Shreyas Iyer ahead of West Indies Tests

In the Duleep Trophy 2025 semi-final, the RCB captain scored 77 off 84 balls, showing consistency and determination. However, Patidar has saved his best for the big final, where he smashed 101 off 115 balls against the South Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground.

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Patidar’s outstanding run in the Duleep Trophy 2025 has earned him a well-deserved standing ovation. His performances have overshadowed expectations of Shreyas Iyer’s return to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home.

With his remarkable form in red-ball cricket, Patidar has sent a strong message to the Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir that he is ready to shine on the big stage.

Mohammed Azharuddeen's flying catch ends Rajat Patidar's innings

However, South Zone struck back in style as they finally ended the dangerous 167-run partnership between Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod. Gurjapneet Singh’s short-ball tactic paid off when he bowled a sharp delivery from around the wicket before the tea break.

The ball curved into Patidar’s leg side, forcing him to pull it, but he misjudged the line and only got a faint edge. The South Zone wicketkeeper, Mohammed Azharuddeen, dived to his left and took the catch with ease.

Patidar departed after scoring a brilliant 101 off 115 balls, including 12 fours and 2 sixes. His teammates gave him a standing ovation as the skipper walked off the field.

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Central Zone marches toward Duleep Trophy 2025 glory with Rajat Patidar’s masterclass and Yash Rathod’s storm

Well, the Central Zone side has already strengthened their hold on the summit clash with brilliant batting performances from Patidar and Yash Rathod, who is also a few runs away from a well-deserved century. After lunch, Patidar was almost out lbw in the very first over, but the bowler’s overstep gave him a lifeline, and he took full advantage of it on Day 2.

Patidar and Yash built a massive 167-run partnership for the fourth wicket, putting their team in a commanding position. However, after Patidar edged to the keeper, Upendra Yadav was also trapped lbw. With a lead of more than 160 runs and half their wickets still in hand, Central Zone now looks set for victory in the Duleep Trophy 2025 final against the South Zone.

Earlier, the Central Zone restricted the South Zone to 149 runs in the first innings, thanks to Saransh Jain’s five-wicket haul in Bengaluru.