Ishan Kishan, who has been out of India’s cricket squad for the entirety of 2024, has been handed a potential route back into the national team through the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to involve senior players in the four-team tournament, which will be held in Andhra Pradesh and Bangalore, as a way to maintain their form ahead of the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 18.
Kishan, once considered a rising star, has not featured in any format for India this year and was notably left out of the BCCI’s central contracts. Reports suggest that his exclusion was partly due to his refusal to participate in domestic cricket. However, with the Duleep Trophy approaching, Kishan now has a chance to showcase his skills and make a case for his return to the national setup.
This year’s Duleep Trophy will deviate from its traditional zonal format and instead adopt a more national approach, with four teams named India A, B, C, and D. These squads will be selected by the national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar. The tournament, scheduled from September 5-8 and September 12-15, will serve as a critical platform for players like Kishan to prove their worth.
New head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly involved in the selection process, with recommendations for senior players such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin to participate in the tournament. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been given the option to play, while Jasprit Bumrah will be rested to manage his workload.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Kishan is expected to be called up for the Duleep Trophy, signaling that he remains in the selection committee’s plans. Strong performances in the tournament could provide him with the opportunity to reintegrate into Team India, potentially ahead of the crucial Bangladesh series.
As Kishan prepares for this important tournament, all eyes will be on his performances, which could determine his future with the Indian cricket team.
