Chennai, Sept. 5 -- India's Test vice-captain KL Rahul will miss the 2026 Duleep Trophy final, confirms South Zone skipper Tilak Varma.

Rahul was asked by the BCCI to feature in the title clash of India's premier zonal red-ball tournament for South Zone.

Apart from Rahul, the BCCI also asked Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj to play in the Duleep Trophy final, with both players set to feature in the title clash for South Zone.

Varma was speaking to the reporters in Chennai on the eve of the Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone.

"KL bhai (Rahul) isn't there," Tilak said.

Varma said Padikkal's inclusion would strengthen South Zone's batting, while Padikkal and Siraj's current form and experience would provide a major ...