(PTI Photo)
India’s domestic cricket season kicks off at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where the first round of the Duleep Trophy will be held starting September 5. Originally set to take place in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, the venue was changed following a recent update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the KSCA.
“Yes, Chinnaswamy will be hosting the opening round. Just that game. We were told by the BCCI about the decision last week and we are ready to host the fixture, always ready to host cricket. There is still time for the match and the venue will be ready,” KSCA president Raghuram Bhat tells CricketNext.
Most of India’s regular Test players are expected to participate in the opening round, potentially including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, though their involvement is not yet confirmed. However, other Test players, including those under consideration for the longest format, will compete in the matches.
In contrast to past editions, where zonal selectors chose the teams for the multi-day tournament, the men’s senior selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, will now select the four squads for this season. Agarkar had indicated in a press conference last month that “some in the squad will play.”
“I haven’t discussed with Gautam yet. It’s not always easy. But there will certainly be enough players out of that squad that are likely to play the first (Duleep Trophy) game at least. That’s the only game they can really play. We’ll sit down and discuss which guys really need to play.
“It’s nice for the competition if all your top players come and play. It is not easy with such a packed and long season, it’s tough for the players if they have a week off somewhere to make them play. There will be some in the squad who will play,” Agarkar had said.
Fast bowling depth, wicketkeeper
The depth of fast bowling will be a crucial aspect in forming these squads, especially with India set to play ten Tests, including five away in Australia, over the next 5-6 months. Managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload will be essential, and the team will need to have backups ready for Mohammed Siraj, as Mohammed Shami is still working on regaining full fitness.
This tournament presents a prime opportunity for Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar to prove their worth. Most of India’s fast bowlers are currently training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where a training and bowling camp is ongoing.
Attention will also be on the wicketkeeper-batter role. With Rishabh Pant making his return in the 50-over format, his inclusion in the longest format will depend on his readiness, and the Indian team management will make decisions accordingly.
Since his return, the young player has been performing both behind the stumps and with the bat without any issues. The Duleep Trophy could serve as an excellent chance for him to further assess his fitness for the longer format.
While Rishabh Pant was away, Dhruv Jurel stepped in and excelled during the home series against England. With Pant back in contention and Ishan Kishan keen to make his mark in domestic cricket, the competition for the wicketkeeper-batter position is set to be intense.
