Ajit Agarkar. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
The much talked about Duleep Trophy 2024 will start with the Round 1 on September 05. Four teams, picked by senior selection committee will be seen fighting it out for the ultimate trophy in the premier domestic tournament. However, a title lift isn’t the only interest for the players in the coming tournament. The All India Men’s Senior Selection Committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is supposed to pick the squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series at home after the first round of the Duleep Trophy concludes.
Notably, the first round is slated to begin on Thursday, September 05, and a couple of matches will be played simultaneously in Bengaluru and Anantapur, respectively. The first round will hold utmost significance concerning the Test squad for the series against the Bangla Tigers, as the 15-member squad is likely going to be finalized post that.
The captains are all in readiness, and some players will be watched out very closely. Some interesting uncapped picks, who are strong contenders to get a national call-up, will also be monitored closely. These names include R Sai Kishore, Manav Suthar, Vidwath Kaverappa, Ricky Bhui and Tanush Kotian, to name just a few.
The Indian team that plays Bangladesh will start practising at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the host venue, a week before the first match, and the visiting team is expected to join them three days later.
The decision on wicketkeeper-batters Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, and Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna may be subject to fitness as the trio is set to miss the first round due to their respective injuries. Sanju Samson is a possible replacement for Pant in the Team B, and thus, he has the golden opportunity to put his best foot forward to reach the red-ball selector’s doors.