Crucial Points to Note from the Duleep Trophy 2024 Squad Lineups

The announcement of the Duleep Trophy 2024 squads has generated significant interest as India’s premier domestic red-ball competition prepares to kick off on September 5. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents, the squad lineups have revealed several key takeaways that could shape the domestic and international cricket landscape. Here’s a closer look at the crucial points to note from the Duleep Trophy 2024 squads:

Missing Stars

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Despite speculation, both Kohli and Sharma will not feature in this year's Duleep Trophy. The BCCI's decision to rest these senior players, who are both in their mid-30s, underscores a strategic approach to manage their workload and mitigate the risk of injury. As BCCI secretary Jay Shaw mentioned, avoiding domestic matches helps in preserving their fitness for international duties. Kohli's last domestic red-ball game in India remains the 2012 Ranji Trophy, while Sharma’s last was the 2016 Duleep Trophy.

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah: Shami’s absence is particularly noteworthy given his recovery from a long-standing ankle injury. The decision to exclude him from the Duleep Trophy suggests that his return to full fitness might not yet be complete. Similarly, Bumrah’s omission aligns with his ongoing workload management, a critical aspect given his recent injury history.

Ravichandran Ashwin: At 37, Ashwin is also taking a break to focus on the busy Test calendar ahead, reflecting the need for careful management of seasoned players to ensure their peak performance throughout the season.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane: The exclusion of these stalwarts signals a potential end to their national Test careers, though their impressive records could still see them make a return if needed for upcoming tours, particularly the Australian series.

Captaincy Choices

Shubman Gill: Appointed as the captain of Team A, Gill’s leadership role is notable given his emerging status in the Test format. Despite his vice-captaincy in the Indian white-ball setup, Gill’s limited Test experience raises questions about the choice over KL Rahul, who has substantial leadership experience, including captaining India in 16 matches with a strong record.

Abhimanyu Easwaran: Leading Team B, Easwaran’s appointment as captain has been surprising given the presence of Rishabh Pant, who is seen as a future leader for India and currently leads Delhi Capitals in the IPL. The decision could be to ease Pant’s return to red-ball cricket after a long injury layoff, avoiding the added pressure of captaincy.

Ishan Kishan’s Return

Ishan Kishan’s inclusion in Team D is a significant development. After opting out of the South African tour and missing Ranji Trophy matches due to mental fatigue, Kishan’s selection for the Duleep Trophy represents a crucial step in his comeback. His performance in the tournament will be closely watched, especially after a lackluster IPL season. Kishan’s return to top-flight red-ball cricket could influence his future selection for national duties, potentially marking a resurgence in his career.

The squad lineups for the 2024 Duleep Trophy offer insights into both strategic decisions and emerging trends in Indian cricket. The notable absentees reflect a calculated approach to managing player workloads, while the captaincy choices and Kishan’s inclusion highlight shifts in leadership and potential comebacks. As the tournament progresses, these elements will play a significant role in shaping the domestic season and influencing future selections for the Indian national team.