The Duleep Trophy: A Chance for Senior Players to Stay in Shape
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently announced that senior players will be involved in the upcoming Duleep Trophy to keep them in shape before the Bangladesh series. The Duleep Trophy, which was previously played in a zonal format, will now feature four teams representing India A, B, C, and D.
This decision by the BCCI is a welcome move, as it will provide an opportunity for senior players to stay in form and showcase their skills before the crucial Bangladesh series. The Duleep Trophy has always been a platform for young and upcoming players to make a name for themselves, but this year, it will also serve as a chance for outcasts like Ishan Kishan to impress and find their way back into Team India’s setup.
The New Format
The Duleep Trophy has been played in a zonal format since its inception in 1961-62. However, this year, the BCCI has decided to change the format to a more national one. The four teams will be selected based on the performance of players in the previous domestic season, and each team will consist of 15 players.
The teams will play each other in a round-robin format, with the top two teams qualifying for the final. The matches will be played under lights with the pink ball, which will provide a new challenge for the players.
The Importance of the Duleep Trophy
The Duleep Trophy has always been an important tournament for young players to showcase their skills and catch the attention of the selectors. However, this year, it will also serve as a platform for senior players to stay in shape and prove their worth before the Bangladesh series.
Senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravichandran Ashwin have not played competitive cricket since the World Test Championship final in June. The Duleep Trophy will provide them with an opportunity to get some match practice under their belt and stay in form before the crucial series against Bangladesh.
A Chance for Outcasts to Impress
The Duleep Trophy will not only be important for senior players but also for outcasts like Ishan Kishan. Kishan, who made his debut for India earlier this year, has not been a part of the Indian setup since the T20I series against Sri Lanka in July.
The Duleep Trophy will provide Kishan with an opportunity to impress the selectors and find his way back into the Indian team. Kishan is a talented player who has shown his ability to score runs quickly and can be a valuable asset to the Indian team in the T20 format.
Conclusion
The decision by the BCCI to involve senior players in the Duleep Trophy is a welcome move. The tournament will provide an opportunity for senior players to stay in shape and prove their worth before the crucial Bangladesh series. It will also serve as a chance for young and upcoming players to make a name for themselves and for outcasts like Ishan Kishan to impress the selectors and find their way back into the Indian team.