Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Skip Duleep Trophy?
With two big home and one away test series lined up for India in the coming months, and the BCCI is encouraging top Indian players to participate in the domestic cricket, but there is an exemption for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Let’s look at why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Skip Duleep Trophy?
The top stars of the current India team, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli alongside speedster Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin will not feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
While speaking on the same topic, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has cleared that icons should be forced to play in the tournament to keep them safe from any injury. He also gave an example of Australia and England players, stating that not all players from these countries does not play in their domestic circuit.
“We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in the Duleep Trophy. They will risk injury. If you have noticed, in Australia and England, every international player does not play domestic cricket. We have to treat the players with respect.”
The current India ODI and Test skipper Rohit Sharma last played in the tournament way back in 2016, while Virat Kohli’s last appearance was in 2010.
India eyeing their third consecutive WTC Final berth, will be hosting Bangladesh for 2, and New Zealand for 3 test matches from September to early November 2024. The Indian side will then travel to Australia for a 5-match Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Currently on top of the points table, India will look to maintain their position by performing in the upcoming series, and the Duleep Trophy will serve as a preparatory tournament for the players.
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were both dropped from BCCI’s central contract early this year, will have a chance to secure international ticket with sound performance in the Duleep Trophy.
Rishabh Pant, who suffered a horrific car accident in December 2022, made his international comeback with T20 World Cup campaign in June 2024, and is now set to play in red ball format ahead of the big international series.
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Players like Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shivam Dube to name a few are also part of the Duleep Trophy, starting September 5, 2024.
Shubman Gill will be leading Team A, Abhimanyu Easwaran Team B, Ruturaj Gaikwad Team C, and Shreyas Iyer will be seen captaining Team D in the tournament.
