North Zone Faces Semi-Final Setback as Yash Dhull’s Hamstring Strain Threatens Availability

A hamstring injury has cast doubt over Yash Dhull’s participation in the Duleep Trophy semi‑final clash against South Zone. The right‑handed opener, who opens the innings for North Zone, suffered a suspected grade‑two hamstring strain during pre‑match training for Sunday’s knockout fixture at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, leading the team management to reconsider the playing eleven.

“Though he was training today, Yash Dhull may just miss the semi‑final clash due to a suspected grade two hamstring injury. It is understood that Uday Saharan could come into the squad in his place. This means chances of Sanat Sangwan playing the clash starting on Sunday are bright,” a source said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

If Dhull is ruled out, veteran specialist opener Sanat Sangwan is poised to return to the top order, partnering Qamran Iqbal. Former India Under‑19 captain Uday Saharan has been added to the North Zone squad as a cover.

Why Dhull’s Injury Revives a Heated Selection Debate

The timing of the injury has reopened scrutiny over a prior decision that divided opinion. In the quarter‑final against West Zone, North Zone’s coaching staff—Ajay Sharma and Sarandeep Singh—opted to drop Sangwan and promote Dhull to open. That move attracted considerable attention, especially since Sangwan had been the third‑highest run‑scorer in the previous Ranji Trophy season.

Dhull, who led India to the 2022 Men’s Under‑19 World Cup title, posted just 381 runs in the 2025‑26 Ranji Trophy season. Against West Zone’s pace attack, he managed only 9 and 0, appearing uneasy at the crease and drawing further criticism of the team’s selection approach. Despite the concerns, North Zone secured a 52‑run victory in that quarter‑final, carrying strong momentum into the semi‑final stage. India pacer Gurnoor Brar has also been added to the squad, bolstering the bowling resources for the upcoming match.

Additional Squad Changes for North Zone Ahead of the Semi‑Final

Beyond the uncertainty surrounding Dhull, another source confirmed further adjustments to the North Zone lineup.

“Sahil Lotra has also been released from the squad, while Ayush Badoni should be fine to play after recovering from a bout of fever,” the same source added.

North Zone will face a South Zone side that reached the semi‑finals as last year’s runners‑up. Led by India’s T20I vice‑captain Tilak Varma, South Zone’s batting core includes Ricky Bhui, Shaik Rasheed, Narayan Jagadeesan and Karun Nair. Their spin department features leg‑spinner Shreyas Gopal and left‑arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan, while the pace attack is anchored by MD Nidheesh and Vidwath Kaverappa.

Source link