The Duleep Trophy Final 2026 between South Zone and East Zone kicked off today, September 6, 2026, at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ishan Kishan, East Zone captain, won the toss and chose to bat first.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran opened the innings for East Zone and added 100 runs for the first wicket. Easwaran made 72 runs with 10 fours and one six in 86 balls, while Sooryavanshi smashed 44 in 37 balls with 5 fours and one six before being dismissed by Chama Milind.

Sooryavanshi made the most of Varma’s defensive field settings, finding the gaps with precision. His bold strategy against seasoned India pacer Mohammed Siraj, whom Sooryavanshi brought to the cleaners early on, was the high point of his innings.

One of the most interesting moments came when South Zone captain Tilak Varma and East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi came face-to-face after Tilak sledged the teenager.

At one stage, Tilak decided to take matters into his own hands and was caught on the stump mic attempting to get under Sooryavanshi’s skin.

“Kya yaar ye vice-captain (What is this vice-captain)?" Tilak was heard saying.

But it seems that the banter had an impact. Sooryavanshi's focus seemed to falter shortly after the conversation. He lost his wicket to Chama V Milind for 44, missing out on a half-century despite a strong start.