The 2024-25 Indian domestic season kicks off with the Duleep Trophy, scheduled from September 5th to 22nd. This year, the tournament undergoes a revamp, adopting a round-robin format with India A, B, C, and D teams vying for supremacy. Notably, a number of international players are expected to participate, making the Duleep Trophy a crucial stage for aspiring cricketers to impress selectors and earn a place in the Indian Test squad. With the upcoming home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand on the horizon, the competition promises fierce battles for spots on the national team.
Here are five batters to watch closely in the upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy:
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Riyan Parag:
The 22-year-old from Assam, having already tasted success in limited-overs cricket, aims to establish himself in the red-ball format. His impressive IPL performances and recent international appearances in T20Is and ODIs have catapulted him into the spotlight. Parag currently averages 36.69 in First-Class cricket, with three centuries and 11 half-centuries to his name. If he can replicate his all-rounder skills, contributing with both bat and ball, a call-up to the Indian Test team could be on the horizon.*
Devdutt Padikkal:
After a stellar 2023-24 domestic season, Padikkal made his Test debut against England in Dharamsala, scoring a half-century in his maiden innings. However, a less impressive IPL 2024 campaign has left him hungry to prove himself again. The Duleep Trophy presents an ideal opportunity for Padikkal to bounce back and stake a claim for a middle-order spot in the national squad.*
Musheer Khan:
Despite a young career, Musheer Khan, a middle-order batter from Mumbai, has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in domestic cricket. His spectacular double-hundred against Baroda in the Ranji Trophy last season, followed by a fifty against Tamil Nadu and another century against Vidarbha, has caught the attention of many. The 19-year-old also displayed his all-round abilities by claiming seven wickets in the Ranji Trophy, including two in the final against Vidarbha, which helped Mumbai secure their 42nd Ranji Trophy title.*
Sai Sudharsan:
This promising Tamil Nadu batsman has already made his international debut, showcasing his batting prowess on the tour of South Africa. Sudharsan’s stellar IPL 2024 season with the Gujarat Titans, where he amassed 527 runs, including a century against Chennai Super Kings, has further solidified his reputation. While his List A and T20 numbers are impressive, Sudharsan seeks to solidify his standing in the red-ball game. The Duleep Trophy offers him a platform to showcase his abilities and potentially earn a place in the Indian Test team.*
