The Duleep Trophy final between Central Zone and South Zone saw a complete turnaround in fortunes on the second day, thanks to superb batting performances from Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod. Central Zone, who were initially in trouble at 93 for 3, bounced back strongly to finish the day at 384 for 5, holding a commanding 235-run lead over South Zone’s first-innings total of 148.
The fightback was anchored by a brilliant century from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Rajat Patidar and a fine ton from Yash Rathod, ensuring Central Zone tightened their grip on the game.
Patidar’s Aggressive Statement to Selectors
Patidar’s innings was not only valuable for his team but also a strong message to the national selectors. The middle-order batter played a fluent knock of 101 off just 115 balls, displaying confidence, timing, and aggression. While his first fifty came steadily, his second half-century was scored in quick time as he shifted gears, particularly attacking the spinners.
Patidar’s intent to dominate was evident in the way he rotated strike and punished loose deliveries, underlining his ability to perform under pressure.
His knock comes at a crucial time when the BCCI selectors are closely watching performances in domestic cricket to assess options for India’s future line-ups. For a player who has already impressed in the IPL with RCB, this innings serves as a reminder of his readiness to contribute at higher levels. The century not only consolidated Central Zone’s lead but also strengthened Patidar’s case for more recognition in Indian cricket.
Rathod’s Steady Hand Complements Patidar
While Patidar went after the bowlers, Yash Rathod provided solidity with his composed 137 off 188 balls. Rathod played the role of stabilizer, weathering the early storm and building partnerships to take Central Zone into a dominant position. His ability to hold one end allowed Patidar to play with freedom and aggression at the other, making their partnership a match-defining one.
The duo’s resilience not only rescued Central Zone from a precarious start but also put South Zone on the back foot going into the next phase of the contest. With a significant lead already in hand and momentum firmly with them, Central Zone now look well-placed to push for the trophy. More importantly, Rajat Patidar’s innings stands out as a timely statement — one that could influence BCCI’s plans in the near future.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
