Several top Indian players will not be present for India’s Duleep Trophy, scheduled to start on September 5, reports say that these elite cricketers are choosing not to participate in the home tournament in order to get ready for a rigorous international season. Though some more nationally contracted players are anticipated to take part, the competition, which marks the beginning of India’s domestic cricket schedule, will go without these major stars.
Indian players not playing in Duleep Trophy
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli was expected to take part in the Duleep Trophy but was rested by the BCCI. The former Indian captain last played a red-ball match in January 2024 against South Africa in Cape Town. He missed the five-match Test series against England at home due to the birth of his second child.
Rohit Sharma
Indian captain Rohit Sharma will not be seen in action during the Duleep Trophy 2024 matches. There were reports of participation in the premier domestic tournament, but the 37-year-old right-handed batter was rested by the BCCI, keeping in mind the busy Test season ahead.
Prithvi Shaw
Shaw, who became the youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut in October 2018, last played a red-ball match for India in December 2020. He was part of the Mumbai team that won the Ranji Trophy last season but was not considered for a place in any of the four squads announced by the BCCI last month.
Ravichandran Ashwin
World No. 1 Test bowler Ashwin was not named in any of the four squads for the Duleep Trophy. Although no official reason was given by the board in regard to Ashwin’s absence, it has been reported that the premier spinner was rested.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja was picked in the India B team when the Duleep Trophy 2024 squads were announced by the BCCI last month. But the world No. 1 Test all-rounder was released last week and will now miss the Duleep Trophy 2024 matches.