The semi-finals of the Duleep Trophy saw two enthralling contests of four-day red-ball cricket which showed the strength of the Indian domestic system. East Zone trumped the defending champions Central Zone in the first semi-final, sealing a four-wicket victory, while last year’s second finalist South Zone secured a dominant seven-wicket win over North Zone.
Both teams’ victorious efforts were led in part by the fast bowlers, who made excellent use of the surfaces at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Ahead of the mouth-watering clash between the East Zone and the South Zone awaiting in the final, here is a look back at the top performers of the semi-finals.
Here are 3 pacers who shone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 semis:
3. Gurnoor Brar (North Zone)
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Despite North Zone’s loss in the semi-final, Gurnoor Brar left the match with a much-improved stock among the current crop of fast bowlers. The Punjab man has been making waves in the recent past, becoming a regular feature in India’s ODI squad and even being part of the Test squad in Sri Lanka. Brar’s skill and talent as a hit-the-deck bowler, capable of bowling at high pace, has been taken note of by selectors, who have drafted him in as a potential option for the future.
Brar finished the match with five wickets, including first-innings figures of 4 for 88 in 23 overs, a brilliant bowling display as the first-change seamer. Brar made good use of his pace, bounce and ability to move the ball both ways, taking four wickets to reduce South Zone to 80 for 5, before they staged a valiant comeback. With the upcoming series to New Zealand set to require a solid pace battery, Brar’s performances could boost his chances of featuring on helpful wickets.
