The 2024-25 Indian domestic season will begin with the start of the Duleep Trophy on September 5 – here's all you need to know about the latest updates on player signings, coaching staff and major team changes.
Ishan Kishan set to lead Jharkhand in Buchi Babu tournament
Kishan was involved in controversy last winter when he took a break from cricket resulting in him getting stripped of his BCCI central contract. Putting that episode behind, the left-handed wicketkeeper is all set to make his return to first-class cricket. According to an ESPNCricinfo report, Kishan is set to lead his state team Jharkhand in the Buchi Babu tournament, a pre-season red-ball tournament starting August 15.
Kohli, Rohit and other Test stars to play Duleep Trophy?
Several first-team players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and more are expected to play in the Duleep Trophy. Various reports also suggest that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might also be asked to appear in the tournament, in order to get themselves ready for the Bangladesh Test series.
Mandeep Singh changes allegiance to Tripura
Mandeep Singh, who led Punjab to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2023-24, has shifted base to Tripura for the upcoming domestic season.
"I have had the most amazing journey at PCA from junior level all the way to senior level whilst also having the best fortune of being the Winning Captain of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for 2023-2024," Mandeep wrote on Instagram.
"However, after a lot of deliberation, I think it's time for me to open a new chapter in my career. I have decided that now is the right time to go ahead and play cricket for Tripura in the upcoming domestic season," he added.
Mandeep comes in place of captain Wriddhiman Saha, who will return to Bengal alongside opener Sudip Chatterjee.
Saha, 39, had left Bengal after a fallout with one of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) officials. However, a "friendly discussion" discussion with Sourav Ganguly has paved the way for his comeback.
Another Punjab player, Jiwanjot Singh, has also been signed up by Tripura.
Punjab to appoint Wasim Jaffer as head coach
Punjab is set to acquire the services of Wasim Jaffer as their new head coach. Jaffer will replace former India and Mumbai pacer Aavishkar Salvi under whom Punjab lifted their Mushtaq Ali trophy last season. Salvi has been appointed as the bowling coach of the India women’s team.
Jaffer has previously coached various state sides, including Vidarbha, Uttarakhand and Odisha. Among his notable stints include a batting consultant gig for Bangladesh, which ended in June. He has also been a part of the Punjab Kings coaching staff in the IPL.
Baba Aparajith set to play for Kerala
Tamil Nadu all-rounder Baba Aparajith has confirmed he will play for Kerala in the upcoming domestic season. Aparajith’s signing could be a potential captaincy option if Sanju Samson is unavailable.
The transfer was possible after Shreyas Gopal returned to Karnataka after representing Kerala for a season. Aparajith wasn’t part of Tamil Nadu’s semi-final finish in the Ranji Trophy last season. By changing base, he will hope to play across formats.
Right-arm quick Kuldeep Sen has also left Tamil Nadu after a season to relink with Madhya Pradesh. Sen is yet to play an international match since his ODI debut in Bangladesh in 2022.
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