Duleep Trophy – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Set to Light Up
While the Indian cricket team is basking in a 43-day break, the cricketing activities are yet to get over. The 2024-25 senior men’s Indian domestic cricket season is going to start with a big event—the Duleep Trophy—which will take place in early September. This time, the championship is expected to be more exciting since it is believed that many star Indian cricketers, which include the senior players also, are going to participate too.
One of the Ranji Trophy dress rehearsals, the Duleep Trophy, usually considered an event to get ready for India’s home Test series and the following tour to Australia, is going to witness some important changes in its structure. In a move that has surprised many, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to do away with the traditional six-team zonal format. Historically, this format has comprised teams representing different zones of the country, such as North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, and North East Zone.
A New Format for a New Era
This time around, four teams—India A, India B, India C, and India D—will play the 2024 edition of the Duleep Trophy. The teams would be selected by the senior national selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar. This new format is expected to bring in a fresh dynamic at the tournament, allowing a more competitive and streamlined selection process. The revamp is aimed at providing India’s red-ball hopefuls with a better platform for staking a claim in the national team.
Last year, the South Zone, led by Hanuma Vihari, defeated West Zone by 75 runs in the final played in Bengaluru to win the Duleep Trophy. With a new format, the competition can be keen this time.
Star Cricketers Set to Return
One of the major highlights of this year’s Duleep Trophy is the likely return of senior Indian cricketers. Though there is no official announcement from the teams as yet, the reports suggest that players like Ishan Kishan might return to domestic cricket. Ishan, who has reportedly agreed to play for Jharkhand in the upcoming domestic season, could even be tried out for a leadership role. His participation in the Duleep Trophy will give a much-needed boost to the profile and competitiveness of the tournament.
Predicted Line-ups for Duleep Trophy Teams
Unless one or more of the big guns are rested or out of the squad, this could turn out to be a really potent lineup for all teams in the Duleep Trophy. As of now, here’s what probably could be the four teams:
India A: With a mix of some seasoned campaigners and young talent, the skipper’s role in India A may be accorded to Hanuma Vihari. Into its fold could come top-order batsmen Mayank Agarwal and Priyank Panchal and bowlers like Jaydev Unadkat and Kuldeep Yadav.
India B: The team may have Ishan Kishan leading the side with others like Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Prasidh Krishna to ensure the right blend of young blood and experience.
India C: This could be a team of veterans trying to make it back into the national side as well. Ajinkya Rahane can lead India C with players like Wriddhiman Saha, Shreyas Iyer, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar providing depth to this squad.
India D: This team could comprise upcoming talent combined with a few established names. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal could be the mainstays of the team that make this a very strong squad for the competition.
The Way Forward
The 2024 Duleep Trophy is going to be the grandest event ever viewed in Indian domestic cricket; there are chances of star players taking part and a changed format that may become the blueprint for all domestic tournaments in times to come. Its new structure is sure to not only raise the quality of cricket but will also result in a much clearer pathway for those wanting to break into the national team.
Full Schedule , Also check – https://www.bcci.tv/domestic/289/duleep-trophy
September 5-8, 2024: India A vs India B – Venue: Rural Development Trust Stadium, Anantapur*
September 5-8, 2024: India C vs India D – Venue: ACA ADCA Ground, Anantapur*
September 12-15, 2024: India A vs India D – Venue: Rural Development Trust Stadium, Anantapur
September 12-15, 2024: India B vs India C – Venue: ACA ADCA Ground, Anantapur
September 19-22, 2024: India A vs India C – Venue: Rural Development Trust Stadium, Anantapur
September 19-22, 2024: India B vs India D – Venue: ACA ADCA Ground, Anantapur
(*Venues are subject to change)
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the selection committee and the eventual lineups. The Duleep Trophy 2024 could very well serve as a preview of the future stars of Indian cricket.