The Duleep Trophy, set to commence on September 5th and concluding on September 22nd, will serve as the official kick-off for India’s domestic cricket season. This tournament is not merely a platform for seasoned players to polish their skills, but also a crucial opportunity for aspiring youngsters to make their mark. With the Indian Test squad currently undergoing a transition phase, this tournament presents a golden opportunity for several promising talents to stake their claim for potential openings in the national team.
The upcoming months will be particularly demanding for the Indian Test side, with a packed schedule of ten Tests slated for the next four months. The team will be competing in five Tests at home and five in Australia, making the Duleep Trophy a critical stepping stone for aspiring players.
Here are five young players who will be looking to make a strong case for a spot in the Indian Test squad:
*
Arshdeep Singh:
This left-arm pacer, already a prominent figure in India’s limited-overs setup, particularly in T20Is, is hoping to break into the Test squad. With his impressive track record at the international level, he is considered a promising candidate for the longest format. Arshdeep has demonstrated his ability in the First-Class arena, having taken 49 wickets in 16 matches at an average close to 32. His performance in the Duleep Trophy will be under close scrutiny from the selectors.*
Harshit Rana:
The Indian Test team is currently lacking a specialist pace bowling all-rounder, and Rana possesses the potential to fill that critical role. His impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the domestic circuit have already caught the selectors’ attention. Although only having played seven First-Class matches for Delhi, Rana has already taken 28 wickets at an average of 26.35 and a strike rate less than 40. A strong showing in the Duleep Trophy could fast-track him into contention for a national team spot.*
Manav Suthar:
This left-arm spinner, representing Rajasthan, has been making impressive strides in the last 18 months. His clean bowling action and ability to outsmart batters with flight and variations are particularly noteworthy. In just 14 First-Class matches, Manav has already claimed 65 wickets at an average of 24.44. He also gained valuable experience by participating in the U-23 Emerging Asia Cup in 2023 and making his IPL debut for the Gujarat Titans in 2024. With India actively searching for another left-arm orthodox spinner, Manav is sure to be on the selectors’ radar.*
Sai Sudharsan:
Sudharsan has made a significant impression on the selectors, earning his limited-overs debuts in the past 12 months. This 22-year-old southpaw opens the batting and brings a vital left-handed dimension to the Indian team’s development. Even though Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a remarkable start to his Test career, Sudharsan’s potential keeps him in the running for a place in the squad.*
