Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. (Source – Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Indian captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are reported to participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2024-24 season. This decision comes as part of the preparation for the crucial two-Test series against Bangladesh, which could decide India’s qualification for the World Test Championship finals for the third consecutive time.
The senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has expressed its desire to have all regular players available for the Duleep Trophy, scheduled to begin on September 5.
The tournament, set to be played in a new format this season, will feature star-studded squads. Alongside Rohit and Kohli, other prominent players such as Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav have been asked to participate according to a report from The Indian Express.
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Jasprit Bumrah may not play in Duleep Trophy
However, ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be notably absent from the competition. The selectors have granted him an extended rest period following the IPL 2024 and T20 World Cup, prioritizing his workload management.
The selection committee is set to discuss Bumrah’s inclusion for the Bangladesh Tests, considering India’s packed schedule of 10 Tests in the next four months, including five crucial matches in Australia.
The tournament’s logistics are being fine-tuned to accommodate the star players. While Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh is the primary venue, the BCCI is considering hosting one round at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru due to better connectivity.
The six Duleep Trophy matches are scheduled from September 5 to September 24, coinciding with the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai on September 19.
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It remains unclear whether Rohit and Kohli will feature 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 their participation schedule in the Duleep Trophy.