Chennai, Sept. 6 -- East Zone won the toss and opted to bat first against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final, being played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, from Sunday. Notably, Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal are featuring for South Zone.

East Zone captain Ishan Kishan said the team opted to bat first because the surface looks like a decent wicket with some moisture, stressing the need to put the previous game behind them, stay disciplined and rely on senior players to step up in the final.

"We're going to bat first. Looks a decent wicket. There is a bit of moisture, but it will be there on any ground. It's important to forget about the last game. They've been giving their all. Very important for senior players to tu...