The four teams competing in the Duleep Trophy 2024 will be chosen by the BCCI selection panel, which is led by Ajit Agarkar.
Since rumors circulated that the selectors want most India Test regulars and prospects to play in the opening match of the domestic season, the Duleep Trophy has been in the news.
The BCCI’s directive that international players should play domestic cricket when not on national duty and the desire to give India’s stars some game time before the two-match Test series against Bangladesh begins on September 19 are the reasons behind the request for them to be available for the red-ball competition.
Thus, the crucial query is: Will every player from abroad compete in this competition?
We take a look
Rohit, Kohli Given Choice
The two legends, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have reportedly been given the freedom to choose whether or not they wish to participate in the Duleep Trophy, which will make the selectors very happy.
While Kohli last played red-ball cricket in January while on a tour of South Africa, Rohit last participated in a Test match in March of this year during the home series against England. Considering they are no longer playing T20Is, it won’t be surprising if one or both of them decide to become available.
Ashwin, Bumrah to Skip?
Ace of pace Star offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah will both be excluded from the competition. While Ashwin is anticipated to play the first Test match against Bangladesh straight away in Chennai, Bumrah is currently enjoying a lengthy rest.
Is Shami Available?
Absence of clarity. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, is reportedly ignorant of Mohammed Shami’s return from a protracted injury-related layoff. He did, however, clarify that the Bangladesh series was the intended target. Given that he hasn’t participated in a competitive match since November of last year, Shami might ultimately choose to accept par in an effort to clear his head.
Will Rishabh Make Red-Ball Return?
The Ultimate News reports that the selectors are still debating Rishabh Pant’s red-ball comeback. The wicketkeeper-batter’s first red-ball assignment since his horrific accident in December 2022 will occur if they approve of it.
What About Others?
It is anticipated that Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Kuldeep Yadav, among others, will be fully or partially available for this tournament. Ishan Kishan (Jharkhand) and Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai), the captains of India’s T20I team, have already declared their availability to compete in the Buchi Babu Trophy, which begins on August 15.