Duleep Trophy 2025: Vasuki Koushik Joins South Zone Squad After Ex-RCB Star’s Injury

In a disappointing blow to the South Zone cricket team, fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak has been ruled out of the Duleep Trophy 2025 and will not participate in any further matches of the tournament. Vyshak, who was included in the original squad, was expected to play a key role in South Zone’s campaign, but had to withdraw even before the team could take the field for their opening match. To fill the gap left by his absence, Karnataka teammate Vasuki Koushik has been drafted into the squad, providing some relief to the team management and fans alike. Vyshak had represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2024 IPL season before moving to Punjab Kings ahead of the 2025 IPL. Despite undergoing a fitness test before South Zone’s opening red-ball fixture, Vyshak was unable to pass, marking a significant setback for both the player and the squad. His absence will be keenly felt, especially given his pace and ability to strike early in the innings, which had made him a vital asset for the team.

The South Zone squad also faces another leadership change. Originally, Tilak Varma from Hyderabad was set to lead the team, bringing experience and composure to the captaincy role. However, Tilak has been called up to join the Indian national team for the Asia Cup 2025, creating a vacancy in the leadership position. In response, Mohammed Azharuddeen, who was initially appointed as Tilak’s deputy, has been elevated to captain. Azharuddeen will also continue to serve as the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper, balancing both leadership and wicketkeeping responsibilities. Known for his calm demeanor and tactical awareness, Azharuddeen is expected to guide the team effectively in the absence of Tilak Varma. His appointment comes at a crucial time, as South Zone aims to defend their title from the previous edition of the Duleep Trophy, when they were led by Hanuma Vihari.

The first semi-final of the tournament will see South Zone facing North Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru, starting September 4, 2025. The match is scheduled to be played over four days, following the traditional red-ball format. South Zone enters this semi-final with a mix of experienced campaigners and promising youngsters, all determined to replicate their past success. Despite the last-minute changes in both the bowling lineup and captaincy, the team remains confident in its ability to perform under pressure. Fans will be looking forward to standout performances from key players, especially in the absence of Vyshak, where others will need to step up to fill the void in the fast-bowling department.

The South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2025 now consists of Mohammed Azharuddeen (captain & wicketkeeper), Tanmay Agarwal, Shaik Rasheed, Devdutt Padikkal, Mohit Kale, Salman Nizar, N Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), T Vijay, Ankit Sharma, Tanay Thyagarajan, MD Nidheesh, Ricky Bhui, Basil NP, Gurjapneet Singh, Snehal Kauthankar, and the newly added Vasuki Koushik. The squad represents a balanced mix of batting and bowling talent, combining experience with youth. Players like Devdutt Padikkal and Ricky Bhui provide stability and flair in the batting department, while bowlers such as Gurjapneet Singh and Basil NP are expected to lead the attack alongside Koushik. With Azharuddeen’s leadership and strategic guidance, South Zone aims to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and absences, keeping their eyes firmly on defending the title they secured in the previous Duleep Trophy under Hanuma Vihari’s captaincy.

As the semi-final approaches, South Zone will rely on teamwork, resilience, and tactical execution to overcome North Zone. The inclusion of Vasuki Koushik and the leadership transition to Azharuddeen are expected to play pivotal roles in determining the team’s fortunes in this high-stakes encounter, making the 2025 Duleep Trophy a tournament to watch closely.