As the Duleep Trophy kicks off on September 5, cricket fans are excited to see star players like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in action. However, several major players are notably absent from this prestigious domestic tournament.
Missing Players in the Duleep Trophy 2024:
- Virat Kohli:
- Despite speculations, Virat Kohli has opted out of the Duleep Trophy. His last Test appearance was in January 2024 against South Africa. Fans were hoping to see him in action before the India vs Bangladesh series, but he has not put his name forward for this tournament.
- Rohit Sharma:
- India’s Test and ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, is also missing from the Duleep Trophy squads. This is understandable given the demanding Test schedule ahead, with crucial series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. Rohit’s focus will be on leading the team in these upcoming challenges.
- Ravichandran Ashwin:
- Ashwin, known for his regular participation in domestic cricket, is taking a brief break after playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). He might return for the second round of the Duleep Trophy, but his absence in the initial stages is notable.
- Mohammed Shami:
- After a stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami underwent knee surgery and has been in rehabilitation. There were hopes he might make a comeback in the Duleep Trophy, but his return has been delayed, and he remains absent from the tournament.
- Jasprit Bumrah:
- Bumrah, who has been resting after the 2024 T20 World Cup, will not be participating in the Duleep Trophy. Fans can expect to see him next in the India vs Bangladesh Test series.
Key Players Participating in the Duleep Trophy 2024:
While these absences are significant, the Duleep Trophy will still feature a host of international stars:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| KL Rahul | Batsman |
| Shubman Gill | Batsman |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| Mohammed Siraj | Fast Bowler |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spin Bowler |
The tournament is expected to be a key platform for selectors to identify players for the upcoming India vs Bangladesh series. Despite the absence of some major names, the Duleep Trophy 2024 promises to be an exciting event for cricket enthusiasts.