Indian cricket fans are in for a treat as captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are set to participate in the Duleep Trophy 2024-24 season. This decision comes as part of India’s strategic preparations for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, a crucial encounter that could determine India’s qualification for the World Test Championship finals for a third consecutive time.
The senior selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, has expressed its intention to have all regular players available for the Duleep Trophy. Scheduled to commence on September 5, the tournament will feature star-studded squads, making it a high-profile event in the domestic cricket calendar.
The tournament promises to be an exciting affair with the inclusion of prominent Indian players. Alongside Rohit and Kohli, other notable names such as Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to participate, according to a report by The Indian Express.
However, one notable absentee from the Duleep Trophy will be ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The selectors have decided to grant him an extended rest following his participation in IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup. This decision is part of a broader workload management strategy aimed at preserving Bumrah’s fitness for a packed international schedule, which includes 10 Tests over the next four months, with five crucial matches in Australia.
The Duleep Trophy is set to be played in a new format this season, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. The logistics of the tournament are being fine-tuned to accommodate the participation of star players. Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh has been designated as the primary venue, but the BCCI is also considering hosting one round at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru due to its better connectivity.
The tournament will feature six matches, running from September 5 to September 24, overlapping with the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai on September 19. This scheduling presents a logistical challenge, as it remains unclear whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will participate in the tournament opener or join from the second round starting September 12.
The BCCI is also planning a short camp in Chennai before the Bangladesh series, which could influence the participation schedule of the players in the Duleep Trophy. This camp is seen as a critical preparation step, allowing players to acclimatize to the conditions they will face during the Bangladesh Tests.
The decision to include top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Duleep Trophy highlights the importance the BCCI places on domestic competitions as a platform for preparation and assessment. It provides an opportunity for the players to gain match practice and fine-tune their skills ahead of crucial international assignments.
Moreover, the participation of such high-profile players in the domestic circuit is expected to draw significant attention to the Duleep Trophy, boosting its profile and providing invaluable exposure to emerging talent competing alongside established stars.
