Indian Cricket

Duleep litmus test for SKY, Ishan, Iyer and others

August 28, 2024
Ishaan Shahane
The spotlight will be on these two players in the Duleep trophy. Source (X)

With an extensive Test schedule for India on the horizon, the Duleep Trophy, starting on September 5, presents an opportunity for aspirants to prove their credentials. Six matches will be played in a round-robin format across three venues — M Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru), ACA ADCA Ground and Rural Development Trust Stadium (both in Anantapur, Andhra).

While all four teams boast considerable talent, particular attention will be on a select group of players, who have the potential to make an impact in the tournament.

The buzz around Suryakumar Yadav’s potential Test comeback has generated interest. At the Duleep Trophy and the ongoing Buchi Babu Trophy, Surya has a chance to make his mark. While the Buchi Babu fixtures may not carry much weight, strong performances in Duleep will certainly grab the selectors’ attention. However, Surya faces challenges — his age and the competition from younger talents vying for the same spot. To earn a place in the Test squad, Surya will need to consistently score big runs in the domestic circuit before India selection.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming later in the year, Rishabh Pant’s contributions will be vital for India. As the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, his performance in Duleep Trophy will be key in building the confidence he’ll need when representing India. Known for his aggressive batting, Pant is expected to maintain that approach throughout the Duleep Trophy and beyond. However, he faces competition from players like Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.

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Kishan, after a lean period in his cricketing journey, will be eager to rewrite the script and catch the selectors’ attention. Although the competition, as mentioned earlier, is intense, his position at the top of the order gives him more opportunities to settle in and make a significant impact. It will be intriguing to see how he handles this competitive environment, especially after a brief period of lull, as he looks to reestablish himself as a contender.

All eyes will also be on Shreyas Iyer, as he gears up for his return to form. Having last played a Test match against England earlier this year, Iyer has since been absent from the Test squad. Missing out on the T20 World Cup, despite leading KKR to IPL victory, must have been a tough pill to swallow. With much to prove, Iyer will be eager to make a statement when he takes to the field, using Duleep Trophy as a platform to regain rhythm and bolster his case for a comeback to the Indian team.

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