India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are reportedly set to feature in a star-studded Duleep Trophy contingent, with an eye on the preparation for the Bangladesh Test series in mid-September.
Earlier this year, Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) chairman Jay Shah warned that participation in domestic red-ball cricket will be mandatory for all centrally contracted India players going forward.
"Whatever advice we get from the NCA, say suppose somebody’s body is not able to handle both white-ball and red-ball cricket, so we do not want to impose anything in that regard," said Shah. "Whoever is fit and young, we are not going to tolerate any other tantrums. This message is for all centrally contracted players.
"Everyone will have to play, otherwise, the chairman of the selection committee has given me his suggestions and I am going to give him a free hand to let him take his own calls freely."
Rohit, Kohli to play Duleep Trophy?
According to an Indian Express report, several seniors have been asked by the BCCI to be available for the upcoming season of the Duleep Trophy, starting September 5. The decision is taken to prepare for India’s home Test series against Bangladesh from September 19.
Among the most notable inclusions, Rohit and Kohli will likely feature in the tournament, which will be played in a new format this year. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav have also been asked to play, the report added.
Ben Stokes pulled up his hamstring during the 2024 Hundred fixture between the Northern Superchargers and Manchester Originals, raising doubts over his participation in England’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
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Some reports, however, like this one by ESPNCricinfo, suggest that Rohit and Kohli might not play the Duleep Trophy, while other Test contenders like Rahul, Gill, and Co are likely to.
Bumrah to get prolonged rest
The report also claimed that the surfaces for the Bangladesh series are going to be spin-friendly, and with Mohammed Shami eyeing a comeback since his long injury hiatus, veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah may be rested. Bumrah has not played since India became T20 World Champions in June.
With the zonal format of the Duleep Trophy scrapped, chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s panel is expected to name the squads for India A, India B, India C and India D.
Six matches will be played between September 5 and 24. Rohit and Kohli’s availability for the opening two rounds hasn’t been confirmed yet. The board is currently planning for a training camp in Chennai before the Bangladesh series. If that materialises, the duo will take part in the first round, the report added.
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