New Delhi, July 27 -- India batter Tilak Varma is set to lead South Zone in the upcoming 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, which kicks off on August 28 in Bengaluru. The 15-member squad brings together a mix of youth and experience, with four players from Kerala's impressive 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign making the cut, according to ESPN.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Azharuddeen, who played a key role in Kerala's run to the final, has been appointed vice-captain. He is joined by fellow Kerala players, batter Salman Nizar and pacers MD Nidheesh and Nedumankuzhy Basil, all of whom impressed last season.

Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal, who missed the latter part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to a hamstring injury, has recovered and r...