Listing of gamers set to overlook Duleep Trophy semifinals ft. Kuldeep Yadav

After high-scoring run-fests, the Duleep Trophy returns with a set of two semi-final clashes. It doesn’t get any better than this, with a strong West Zone side taking on Central Zone. Meanwhile, the second tie will see North Zone clash against South Zone. But a lineup without some heavyweight names shifts the spotlight. Here’s a look at the key players who won’t be featuring—and why their absence matters.

Kuldeep Yadav (Central Zone)

Ace left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has pulled out of the semifinal due to his selection in India’s Asia Cup squad. It is quite on expected lines, as all the members of Team India are set to fly to Dubai on September 4 at midnight. His absence leaves a huge gap in Central Zone’s spin attack, putting more pressure on frontline pacers like Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, and Yash Thakur (Kuldeep’s replacement) to step up on what promises to be a testing pitch.

Dhruv Jurel (Central Zone)

Dhruv Jurel, Central Zone’s regular wicketkeeper–batter, won’t be available after being ruled out by a dengue virus infection. He was announced as the side’s captain as well. That’s a double blow in terms of both leadership and glovesmanship. Jurel’s absence means Akshay Wadkar steps in, a capable hand. Upendra Yadav is another option. However, it is a missed opportunity for Jurel to make runs. With Rishabh Pant out of action due to his fracture, the Duleep Trophy was a perfect chance for Jurel to be amongst runs.

Sarfaraz Khan (West Zone)

Sarfaraz Khan, one of the most prolific domestic batters in recent seasons, has been ruled out after suffering a quadriceps injury while blasting a century in the Buchi Babu Tournament. He’s expected to be out for about three weeks, undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru. That’s a bitter setback for West Zone, who lose a red-ball heavyweight capable of turning the game around.

It is quite challenging for Sarfaraz as well, who would’ve loved to dominate on the batting-friendly pitches at the CoE. With the India vs West Indies Tests looming, it is an opportunity missed.

Tilak Varma (South Zone)

Similar to Kuldeep Yadav, Tilak Varma won’t be lining up for South Zone either as he’s busy preparing for the Asia Cup after being selected in India’s squad. Originally set to captain his zone, Tilak’s absence forces a reshuffle in leadership and a loss of reliable top-order firepower. South Zone now lean on Mohammed Azharuddeen to step into the captain’s role in his stead.

Harshit Rana & Arshdeep Singh (North Zone)

North Zone will be without their pace duo Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh as both have been rested to keep them fresh for the Asia Cup campaign. That leaves a notable void in their bowling depth. While it’s smart load-management, their absence hands a golden opportunity to new names like Auqib Nabi, who turned heads with a rare four-in-four burst last time out. Anshul Kamboj is with the team as well, so are Yudhvir Singh Charak and Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar.

Vijaykumar Vyshak (South Zone)

Karnataka pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak, pencilled in for South Zone’s semifinal against North, has been ruled out after failing to clear mandatory BCCI fitness tests. The 28-year-old was assessed through the Bronco and Yo-Yo benchmarks, introduced for all domestic cricketers ahead of the 2025–26 season and Asia Cup. Though exact details of his results remain undisclosed, Vyshak couldn’t make the cut. Vasuki Koushik has been drafted in as his replacement.