How will India’s new batting sensation, Yashashvi Jaiswal, tackle the tall pace trio of Avesh Khan, Vidwath Kaverappa and Prasidh Krishna? What to make of Kuldeep Yadav trying to get the better of Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan and Rishabh Pant? The trio are renowned for befuddling the spinners with their rather unorthodox game, while Kuldeep is at the peak of his prowess. Subhman Gill, the Team A captain, and KL Rahul taking on Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar and company also could liven up the proceedings.
The above-mentioned points are all a microcosm of the larger picture. When Team A locks horns against Team B at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, we will get to see some of the best cricketers in India pitting their skills and temperament against each other. In such a scenario, not just the quality of cricket will go up by several notches, but it will also provide an opportunity for the national selectors to gauge the skill set and temperament of a budding cricketer.
So, outside of the established names, who are some of the promising cricketers to watch out for in the Team A versus Team B encounter? Maybe Kumar Kushagra, the wicketkeeper-bat from Jharkhand? He averages over 40 in first-class and was picked up by Delhi Capitals in the IPL auction. His highest score of 266 came against Nagaland in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy. There is also Shaswat Rawat of Baroda and Team A. The left-handed batter, who averages close to 50 in first-class cricket, does play some delightful shots.
Just keep an eye on Sai Kishore as well. The Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner can bowl long spells and does get a fair amount of turn at pace. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been troubled by a groin problem in the recent past, would also be looking forward to showcasing his all-round skills. Despite possessing a good technique and a wide range of shots, he averages a tick over 20 in first-class cricket. Perhaps, this is the season where he would convert his potential into more runs. Tilak Varma, the left-hand bat who will play for Team A, also has an opportunity to kick-start the season with a fine performance.
Among some of the more established names, the Indian selectors would zoom their lenses on Akash Deep of Team A. The skiddy seamer made his Test debut against England in Ranchi this year and gave a good account of himself in the first innings. With the Australian tour on the horizon, he too is in contention to gain a place in the Indian squad. At 29, Abhimanyu Easwaran isn’t getting any younger. However, the selectors haven’t forgotten the unassuming opener as he has been made the captain of Team B.
The’Duleep Trophy isn’t just about the above-mentioned two teams, as some 250 kms away from Bengaluru, Team C and Team D will start their campaign in Anantapur. Who will lift the trophy is secondary. It is more about how Indian domestic cricket is set hog the limelight, albeit for a brief period.