Rishabh Pant is scheduled to return to red-ball cricket during the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy, as selected by the Ajit Agarkar-led committee for the tournament’s first round. This marks Pant’s first appearance in first-class cricket since his car accident in December 2022.
Unfortunately, Mohammed Shami is not included in any of the four squads. He is progressing towards full fitness and has started bowling at full capacity in preparation for a potential comeback during the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19. Shami is expected to continue training under the supervision of the NCA in Bengaluru.
Key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have been given an extended break ahead of India’s upcoming home matches. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who has been recovering from a quadriceps tendon injury and surgery, is also gearing up to make his return. Tilak Varma, who suffered a wrist injury during IPL 2024, has been included in the Duleep Trophy squads as well.
The selection panel has recognized the strong domestic performances of players like Musheer Khan, who impressed in various tournaments. Musheer will be playing alongside his brother, Sarfaraz Khan, who is vying for a spot in India’s Test middle order. Allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion is subject to his recovery from a sports hernia surgery.
The Duleep Trophy 2024-25 squads for the first round have been announced, with teams named A, B, C, and D featuring talented players. Each team consists of notable names in Indian cricket, and the competition will provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake a claim for future selection.
Shashank Kishore, a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo, reported on these developments.