BCCI Unveils Squads For The Second Round Of Duleep Trophy 2024-25; KL Rahul, Shubman Gill Among Key Absentees

As the Duleep Trophy 2024-25 moves into its second round, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed updated squads for the tournament. The matches are set to resume on September 12 in Anantapur, where the stage is set for some of the brightest talents in Indian cricket to showcase their skills. With key players selected for India’s Test series against Bangladesh, the BCCI Men’s Selection Committee has introduced several fresh faces to maintain the competitive edge in the tournament.

Key Players Called Up for National Duty

Several prominent players, including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep, will miss out on the Duleep Trophy’s second round due to their selection for India’s Test series against Bangladesh. These players’ absence is a direct result of their call-ups to represent the national team, signaling India’s intent to build a strong squad for upcoming international fixtures.

This development, while expected, has led to a reshuffling of the teams participating in the Duleep Trophy. The selectors have been prompt in naming replacements, ensuring that the momentum of the competition remains uninterrupted. The BCCI’s focus on the balance between domestic and international cricket is evident in these moves, as they continue to nurture a pipeline of emerging talent through competitions like the Duleep Trophy.

New Faces Step In: A Wave of Fresh Talent

With the departure of some marquee players, several promising cricketers have been called up to take their places. Pratham Singh from Railways has been brought in to replace Shubman Gill, while Akshay Wadkar and SK Rasheed will step in for KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, respectively. Kuldeep Yadav’s absence has paved the way for Shams Mulani to enter the fray, bringing his left-arm spin to the competition. Fast bowler Akash Deep, selected for national duty, will be replaced by Aaqib Khan, ensuring that India A retains its competitive edge in the bowling department.

This wave of young talent is a testament to India’s growing cricket pool. The selection committee’s decision to bring in relatively lesser-known players highlights their commitment to building depth in Indian cricket, giving players the opportunity to prove themselves in high-stakes domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy.

Mayank Agarwal Leads India A

Veteran opener Mayank Agarwal will take on the role of captain for India A in the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Agarwal’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and stability to the team. His leadership, combined with his ability to dominate at the top of the order, will be crucial in steering India A through the competition.

The updated India A squad features an exciting mix of talent, including rising stars like Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube. These players have been making waves in recent domestic competitions and the Indian Premier League (IPL), and their inclusion in the Duleep Trophy gives them the chance to further hone their skills. In the bowling department, India A is bolstered by the presence of Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan, two fast bowlers with international experience.

The complete India A squad is:
Mayank Agarwal (C), Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat, Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, SK Rasheed, Shams Mulani, Aaqib Khan.

Changes in India B: Jaiswal and Pant Called Up

India B will also be fielding a slightly altered lineup in the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Two key players, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, have been called up for national duty, prompting the selectors to bring in Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh as their replacements. Jaiswal’s absence will be felt at the top of the order, but Suyash Prabhudessai’s recent performances in the domestic circuit make him a capable alternative.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s departure opens the door for Rinku Singh, a dynamic middle-order batsman who has been in fine form. Although fast bowler Yash Dayal, who recently earned his first national call-up, will miss the second round, Sarfaraz Khan, despite being named in India’s Test squad, will continue to play in the Duleep Trophy. Sarfaraz has been a dominant force in domestic cricket and will be one of the key players to watch as India B progresses in the tournament.

India B’s updated squad is:
Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (WK), Suyash Prabhudessai, Rinku Singh, Himanshu Mantri (WK).

Team D Sees Key Adjustments

Team D also faces significant changes heading into the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Axar Patel, a key all-rounder, has been called up for the Bangladesh Test series, with Nishant Sindhu named as his replacement. Sindhu has shown promise with both bat and ball and will be eager to make the most of this opportunity.

Additionally, fast bowler Tushar Deshpande has been ruled out of the tournament due to a niggle, making way for Vidwath Kaverappa to join Team D from India A. Kaverappa’s inclusion strengthens Team D’s bowling attack, adding another layer of depth to an already competitive squad.

Team D’s updated squad is:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (WK), Saurabh Kumar, Sanju Samson (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Vidwath Kaverappa.

Continuity in Team C’s Lineup

Unlike the other teams, Team C will proceed into the second round of the Duleep Trophy without any changes to their lineup. The selectors have expressed confidence in the team’s current setup, allowing them to maintain continuity as they look to build on their performance from the first round. With no disruptions, Team C has the advantage of consistency, which could prove to be a crucial factor in their quest for the trophy.

A Competitive Second Round Awaits

As the Duleep Trophy moves into its second round, the reshuffling of squads highlights the competitive nature of Indian domestic cricket. The tournament serves as a proving ground for players looking to break into the national team, and with key players missing due to international commitments, the stage is set for the next generation of talent to step up.

The second round promises to deliver exciting matchups, with each team eager to make its mark. As players like Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Shreyas Iyer lead their respective sides, the Duleep Trophy continues to be a vital component of India’s cricketing ecosystem, shaping the future of the game.

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