Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma All Set To Play Duleep Trophy

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are set to make a notable appearance in the upcoming Duleep Trophy for the 2024-25 season. Their participation is part of a strategic preparation for the highly anticipated two-Test series against Bangladesh, which holds significant implications for India's chances of reaching the World Test Championship finals for the third consecutive time. The senior selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, has emphasized the importance of having all regular players available for this season's Duleep Trophy, which is slated to commence on September 5. This year, the tournament will feature a revised format and will showcase a lineup brimming with cricketing talent. Alongside Sharma and Kohli, other prominent players including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav have been requested to participate, as reported by The Indian Express.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma available for Duleep Trophy?

The decision to involve these star players highlights the significance of the Duleep Trophy in the lead-up to the crucial series against Bangladesh. By engaging in the tournament, the Indian squad aims to fine-tune their skills and build match fitness, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. This move also underscores the committee's commitment to assembling a formidable team for the upcoming Test series, which could be pivotal in securing India's position in the World Test Championship finals. 

Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be notably absent from the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The selectors have decided to grant him an extended rest period following the IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup, focusing on managing his workload. This decision underscores the importance of keeping Bumrah fresh and injury-free amid a demanding cricket calendar.

The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, plans to deliberate on Bumrah's availability for the two-Test series against Bangladesh. This series is critical for India’s World Test Championship hopes and comes in the midst of a packed schedule. Over the next four months, India will play 10 Test matches, including five vital fixtures in Australia. Given this intense schedule, the selectors are keen to ensure Bumrah’s fitness and form are optimally maintained. The absence of Bumrah from the Duleep Trophy reflects a strategic approach to balancing his workload while preparing for the high-stakes Tests ahead. His return will be crucial for India as they navigate a rigorous series of matches, aiming to secure their place in the World Test Championship finals.

The logistics for the Duleep Trophy are being meticulously arranged to accommodate the star players. Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh is set as the primary venue for the tournament, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also considering including a round at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru due to its superior connectivity.

The six-match Duleep Trophy is scheduled to run from September 5 to September 24. This period overlaps with the first Test against Bangladesh, which is set to begin on September 19 in Chennai. Consequently, it is uncertain whether key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will participate from the tournament’s opening round or join in from the second round starting September 12. Additionally, the BCCI is planning a brief training camp in Chennai prior to the Bangladesh series. This camp could impact the players' schedules and their involvement in the Duleep Trophy. As a result, the final decision on whether Sharma and Kohli will feature in the early matches of the Duleep Trophy or enter later remains pending.