The Duleep Trophy 2024 is set to kick off on September 5, but the tournament will likely start without one of its anticipated stars.
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is reportedly sidelined due to an injury. This setback has cast doubt on his participation in the opening match and potentially the rest of the tournament.
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Kishan was expected to make a comeback through this domestic tournament, but his injury has complicated matters. The exact nature and severity of his injury have not been fully disclosed.
He had limited participation in the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, where Jharkhand was eliminated in the league stage. In this tournament, Kishan played just two matches, scoring a century in the first game but failing to make an impact in the second.
Who will potentially replace Ishan Kishan?
With Ishan Kishan’s absence, Sanju Samson is expected to step in as his replacement. Samson, a well-regarded wicketkeeper-batter, was initially not named in any of the four teams for the Duleep Trophy.
However, given the circumstances, he may be called up to fill Kishan’s spot. This move could impact team dynamics and strategies as Samson prepares to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.
How will this impact on Ishan Kishan's India comeback?
Kishan’s absence from the Duleep Trophy's opening match comes as a setback for his attempts to rejoin the Indian national team. Earlier this year, Kishan was dropped from the BCCI’s central contracts list due to his refusal to participate in the Ranji Trophy, which was a criterion for national selection.
Despite his recent efforts in domestic cricket, such as his century in the Buchi Babu Invitational, this injury could further complicate his return to international cricket. Kishan's ability to play in the later stages of the Duleep Trophy will depend on his recovery and the Indian team’s selection for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series.