The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a venue change for the opening fixture of the Duleep Trophy. The season opener, originally scheduled for Anantapur, will now be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru starting September 5.
Key Details
- New Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Original Venue: Rural Development Trust Stadium and ACA ADCA Ground, Anantapur
- Tournament Dates: September 5 to September 22, 2024
Reasons for Venue Change
- Star Players: The shift is aimed at accommodating several Indian stars, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The BCCI is keen to have these players in action before their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, which starts on September 19.
- Preparation: Hosting the opener in Bengaluru allows the BCCI to ensure that key players get match fitness ahead of a busy international schedule.
Schedule for Remaining Matches
- The other five four-day fixtures will proceed as planned in Anantapur.
Player Availability
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Their participation will depend on their availability given their workload.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Unlikely to feature as he is being managed for his fitness ahead of the season.
- Expected Players: Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are anticipated to participate in the opener.
Future Considerations
- Mohammed Shami: Currently undergoing rehabilitation after surgery, Shami’s availability for the latter part of the Duleep Trophy is yet to be confirmed.
This adjustment highlights the BCCI’s strategic focus on player preparation and ensuring the best possible performance in upcoming international matches.