South Zone’s win in Duleep Trophy 2026 final is impossible considering East Zone have a 584-run lead in the bag and four more wickets in hand in the second innings. After the end of Day 4’s play, Tilak Varma made his intentions clear on Day 5 when he walks out to bat. While Tilak has showed the traditional approach to red-ball cricket, spending his time at the crease and looking to build long partnership, his stroke-making is set to be different on Day 5. In an interaction with the media, Tilak revealed that his focus is now on the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.
“Yeah, the (personal) form has been really good. But at the same point, it’s a different format (against Afghanistan). So, I should change my gears again. I’m pretty confident about it,” Tilak told the media after Day 4’s play.
“My goal now is to win the Afghanistan series. So I’ll be going with the same confidence and let’s see how it goes,” the 23-year-old added.
ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan completes 350 runs in Duleep Trophy final, East Zone extend lead to 584 before Day 5
Tilak misses 9th first-class century
South Zone captain Tilak scored 99 runs in the first innings. He got out caught and bowled as South Zone were bowled out for 336 in the first innings in reply to East Zone’s 708. He faced as many as 211 balls and hit nine fours in his 99-run knock.
On Day 5, it is yet to be seen whether Kishan declares the innings or asks lower order to bat on. South Zone are likely to get a chance to bat and Tilak may look to prepare for the T20I format in red-ball cricket.
Packed schedule ahead for Tilak in T20Is
The three-T20I series against Bangladesh will begin on September 9. The T20I vice-captain is expected to reach Delhi on September 13. The Afghanistan T20I series will go on till September 17. It will work as preparation for the Asian Games 2026. India are scheduled to take a one-off historic T20I against Asian Games 2026 hosts Japan. India’s Asian Games 2026 campaign will begin in the quarterfinal on September 28.