Focus on Unselected Players as Duleep Trophy Second-Round Kicks Off
As the second round of the Duleep Trophy, one of BCCI’s premier domestic competitions, begins today in Anantapur, the spotlight will be on some key players overlooked by national selectors for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Among those looking to make a mark are Shreyas Iyer, Mayank Agarwal, and the promising Rinku Singh. With the Indian Test squad resting before their first match against Bangladesh on September 19, these players are eager to prove that their exclusion was a mistake.
Shreyas Iyer Eager for a Test Comeback
Shreyas Iyer is hungry for a comeback in Test cricket after being sidelined due to injury earlier this year. Iyer was forced to exit the Test series against England in February due to a back injury, which kept him out of action for a significant period. Though he recently made a return in the pre-season Buchi Babu tournament, his performance was limited to just a half-century in his last outing against India C. The talented batsman will be keen to score big in the Duleep Trophy to make a strong case for his return to the national Test side.
Mayank Agarwal Leads India-A, Eyes National Team Return
With Shubman Gill joining the Indian Test team, Mayank Agarwal steps up as captain of India-A. Mayank, who last played a Test match in March 2022, knows this is a crucial opportunity to showcase his skills and push for a place back in the Indian squad. Known for his consistency in domestic cricket, Mayank needs to lead from the front and pile up runs to put himself back in the selectors’ radar. In addition, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who missed the first round due to injury, will also be keen to make an impact with his return to India-A.
Rinku Singh’s Quest for Recognition
Despite a stellar record in first-class cricket, Rinku Singh has been frequently overlooked by selectors, missing out even in the initial round of the Duleep Trophy. Known for his impressive performances in T20 cricket, Rinku is determined to make his mark in the longer format. His aggressive batting and ability to anchor innings could be crucial for India-A, and he will be eager to use this platform to demand attention from national selectors.
Sarfaraz Khan and Others Look to Cement Their Places
Sarfaraz Khan, after a strong start in the Duleep Trophy, finds himself in a similar position. Despite scoring a half-century in the first match, Sarfaraz wasn’t given a chance in the middle order for the Test series against Bangladesh. He will need to continue his good form in domestic cricket to stay in contention for a national call-up. Alongside him, players like Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran and Washington Sundar will also be under scrutiny, aiming to perform well and catch the selectors’ eye.
Mukesh Kumar’s Test Snub Fuels His Determination
Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, who was overlooked in favor of Akash Deep for the first Test against Bangladesh, will also be motivated to prove his worth in the Duleep Trophy. Mukesh has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, and a standout performance here could bring him back into the reckoning.
Coach Gambhir Keeping a Close Watch
With former cricketer Gautam Gambhir serving as coach, the Duleep Trophy serves as a crucial opportunity for these players to impress and make their case for national selection. The performances in this tournament could be a turning point for many of these cricketers who are on the cusp of making it to the Indian team. Fans and selectors alike will be watching closely as these players take the field, determined to turn their fortunes around.
