The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to X on August 14 to unveil the squads for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which will kick off the 2024–25 domestic season. This year, the tournament will feature four teams—India A, B, C, and D—competing in matches scheduled to begin on September 5 in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
Prioritizing Player Health
Contrary to earlier speculation, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and batting superstar Virat Kohli were not included in any of the announced squads. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah addressed their absence, explaining that both players run the risk of injury if they participate in domestic cricket.
“It doesn’t make sense to add to Virat and Rohit’s load by asking them to play domestic cricket. They run the risk of getting injured,” Shah stated. He emphasized the need to treat players with respect, drawing comparisons to England and Australia, where top players typically do not participate in domestic competitions.
Shah further clarified that the decision was made with an eye on the future, particularly the five-match Test series against Australia later this year. “Apart from them, everyone else is playing. You should appreciate that,” he remarked, indicating that the Duleep Trophy serves as a preparation ground for the players who will be involved in the upcoming international fixtures.
Fitness and Domestic Performance
Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is set to make his red-ball return after a serious car accident in 2022, marking a significant moment in his career. Ishan Kishan, who faced scrutiny for prioritizing the IPL over domestic commitments, also returns to the fold. Both players will aim to make a strong impression during the tournament.
Shah also reiterated a new policy regarding player fitness, stating that any player returning from injury must first prove their fitness in domestic cricket before being considered for the national team. This approach aims to ensure that players are adequately prepared for the rigors of international competition. “It’s certain now that whoever gets injured and goes out can only come into the Indian team after proving his fitness in domestic cricket,” he noted.
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