During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the board made an important decision about the Duleep Trophy. 

Duleep Trophy is a first-class cricket tournament. Previously, this tournament was organised between the zonal teams of Indian cricket. However, the ongoing Indian domestic cricket started with the Duleep Trophy with four teams: India A, India B, India C, and India D. 

SEE ALSO: BCCI comes with new idea to make domestic cricket interesting

India A won the Duleep Trophy 2024/25

During the Duleep Trophy 2024/25, Shubman Gill led India A and Abhimanyu Easwaran led India B. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer led India C and India D, respectively. After the first round, Gill left the India A squad for international duty, and Mayank Agarwal took the leadership role for the team. 

The Duleep Trophy 2024/25 was completely a round-robin competition where each team faced the other teams once. India A ultimately won the Duleep Trophy 2024/25 title with the highest 12 points. Despite losing their first fixture against India B by 76 runs, India A won their next two matches against India D and India C by 187 runs and 132 runs, respectively.

However, the BCCI wasn’t impressed with the latest four-day Duleep Trophy matches, as these didn’t serve its purpose.  

Duleep Trophy will see the return of inter-zonal competition

In the latest BCCI AGM, it has been decided that the Duleep Trophy will return in the zonal format from the next season (2025/26). In the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, there were six teams in the Duleep Trophy: East Zone, West Zone, South Zone, North Zone, Central Zone, and North-East Zone. 

During the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, there were questions on some selections. With the return of inter-zonal competition, the selection of each team will happen on a zone basis.  

Unlike the latest Duleep Trophy, the inter-zonal based Duleep Trophy followed a knockout stage tournament. 

Suryakumar Yadav is set to play in the final round of the Duleep Trophy 2024/25. He has been cleared by the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The final round of the Duleep Trophy 2024/25 will begin Thursday (September 19), where India B will face India D, and India A and India C will take on each other. Both the matches will be played in Anatapur. 

SEE ALSO: Ricky Ponting joins Punjab Kings as head coach

Suryakumar Yadav is replacing Sarfaraz Khan in India B

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Suryakumar will replace Sarfaraz Khan in India B. While Khan is in the Indian team squad for the first Test of the two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19, Suryakymar will replace him in the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led team. 

Earlier, Suryakumar was named in the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India C team for the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024/25. But he was ruled out from the first round and second rounds of the ongoing Duleep Trophy due to a thumb injury. During the pre-season Buchi Babu Invitational in Coimbatore, Suryakumar got an injury while fielding.

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is desperate for his Test comeback

The 34-year-old Suryakumar Yadav is the new T20I captain of the Indian national cricket team. During the India tour of Sri Lanka last July, he led the Indian team in the three-match T20I series, which India won by a 3-0 margin. 

As he is fit, Suryakumar is likely to lead the Indian team in the forthcoming home T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on October 6. India will also tour South Africa early in November to play a four-match T20I series.

However, Suryakumar wants to represent his national team in all three formats, as he is desperate to make his Test comeback. In February 2023, he made his Test debut during the Nagpur Test against Australia, where the right-handed batter scored eight runs. Since then, Suryakumar has been waiting for his next opportunity in Test cricket. 

After returning to the cricket field, Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan scored a century on his red-ball comeback in the Duleep Trophy. Smashing 111 runs off 126 balls for India C, Ishan Kishan made headlines with his stunning strokeplay and skill. Though he isn't a part of Team India's squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, his knock could've given a message to the selectors as well. However, Ishan's knock made chatter about his return to the Indian national team and his social media post stole the limelight too.

Ishan Kishan smashed a hundred

Ishan Kishan last played for Team India during the tour of South Africa last year. Since his withdrawal from the tournament over mental fatigue, Ishan hasn't played in a single match for India. His absence from Jharkhand's Ranji Trophy campaign also made headlines, though he did play for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign as well.

However, Ishan Kishan finally returned to red-ball cricket with the Duleep Trophy match against India B. He played dominantly while hitting his seventh first-class century with 14 fours and three sixes while sharing an 189-run stand for the third wicket with Baba Indrajith, who also scored 78 off 136 balls, his second half-century in three innings as well.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

However, taking to Instagram, Ishan Kishan shared pictures of him batting for India C in the Duleep Trophy match against India B. He captioned the post: "Unfinished Business", hinting that this is only the start of his return to action as well.

Ishan Kishan is in great form

Notably, Kishan was a late inclusion into the India C side, as he joined on the eve of the game. He previously missed the first-round game for India D due to a groin injury that needed rehabilitation in Bengaluru as well, with Sanju Samson named as his replacement earlier as well.

The India B vs India C match, meanwhile, couldn't produce a result and the match ended in a draw.

The 23-year-old right-arm medium pacer Anshul Kamboj recorded the fifth-best bowling figures in an innings in Duleep Trophy history with eight wickets against India B. 

After scoring 525 runs in the first innings, India C bowled out India B for 332 runs. Haryana all-rounder Anshul Kamboj, who is serving for India C, picked up eight wickets during India B’s first innings. He ended the innings with the bowling figures of 27.5-8-69-8. Vijaykumar Vyshak (1/82) and Mayank Markande (1/59) were the other wicket-takers in that innings.

At the stumps of the third day, Anshul already picked up five wickets as he recorded his first first-class fifer. On the fourth or final day, the Haryana bowler added three more wickets in the first session.  

SEE ALSO: IPL player retention rule faces possible delay by BCCI

Anshul Kamboj recorded second-best bowling figures in an innings by a pacer in the Duleep Trophy

Anshul’s 27.5-8-69-8 were the second-best bowling figures in an innings by a pacer in the Duleep Trophy history. In 2001, the right-arm medium Debasis Mohanty from East Zone recorded bowling figures of 19-5-46-10 against South Zone. 

Meanwhile, Anshul also recorded the fifth-best bowling figures in an innings in Duleep Trophy history. 

Best bowling figures in an innings in the Duleep Trophy

Skipper and opener Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 157 not out

On the other hand, India B captain and opener Abhimanyu Easwaran carried the bat through the completed innings. The right-handed batter hit his 24th first-class century and remained not out on 157 runs, while India B scored 332 all out. 

Replying to India C’s big first innings total in the second round of the Duleep Trophy 2024/25, captain Abhimanyu Easwaran is desperately fighting for India B with a solid century. 

As the reply to India C’s first innings total of 525 runs, India B started the third day at 124/0. However, during the fourth over of the day, wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan was dismissed for 70 runs as the opening partnership ended with 129 runs. 

SEE ALSO: IPL player retention rule faces possible delay by BCCI

Abhimanyu Easwaran batted the complete day 3 to score 143 not out

Since the opening partnership was broken, the other opener and skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran was battling, while his other partners failed to provide any solid support to the captain. Among the other India B batters, only Sai Kishore (21) reached the 20-run mark, while Rahul Chahar was batting on 18 runs at the stumps of the day.

Starting day three on 51 runs, captain Easwaran took the responsibility to set up the challenge. The 29-year-old slammed his 24th first-class century and batted the complete third day to remain not out on 143 runs off 262 balls with 12 fours and one six. India B ended the day on 309/7 as they are still 67 runs behind the follow-on target.  

The right-arm medium bowler for India C, Anshul Kamboj, picked up five wickets on the third day. He finished the day with the bowling figures of 23.5-7-66-5. 

With Ishan Kishan’s century on his first-class return, three more half-centuries, and some other supporting batting performances, India C scored 525 runs in the first innings of the match. 

India A set a 488-run target for India D

Meanwhile, in the other match of the Duleep Trophy, India A have set up the giant 488-run fourth innings target for India D. Stating the third day on 115/1 with a lead of 222 runs, India A added 265 more runs, including two centuries, before the declaration. 

Opener Pratham Singh and the no.3 batter Tilak Varma hit centuries for India A on the third day. While Singh scored 122 runs off 189 balls with the help of 12 fours and one six, Varma remained not out on 111 runs off 193 balls with the help of nine fours. Riyan Parag scored 20 runs, and Shashwat Rawat was not out on 64 off 88 balls with seven fours as India A declared the innings on 380/3. 

In reply, India D ended the third day on 62/1. Although the opener Atharva Taide was dismissed for a duck by Khaleel Ahmed in the third over of the innings, another opener Yash Dubey (15*) remained not out with Ricky Bhui (44*). India D still needed 426 runs to win the match. 

Ishan Kishan finally returned to first-class cricket after more than a year and slammed a crucial century for India C on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy 2024/25 second round.

The 26-year-old Ishan Kishan was originally named for the India D ahead of the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024/25, but he was ruled out due to a groin injury. Although he wasn’t named in any of the four squads for the second round, which was announced on September 10, he surprisingly earned a late inclusion for India C.

SEE ALSO: Ishan Kishan turns up for India C in Duleep Trophy; BCCI stays silent

It is the India B vs India C match at Anantpur, where Kishan’s century helped India C to end the opening day solidly. After India B chose to field first, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured in the first over of the morning after twisting his ankle. 

After another opener Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar had a 92-run partnership for the first wicket, Kishan came to the crease. It is Kishan’s first first-class match after July 2023, when he toured the West Indies to play his first two Tests.  

Ishan Kishan scored 111 runs

On his first-class cricket return, Kishan recorded his seventh first-class century. Kishan was strong with the bat as the left-handed batter scored 111 runs off 126 balls with 14 fours and three sixes. Kishan and Baba Indrajith put up a solid 189-run partnership for the third wicket. While Mukesh Kumar bowled Kishan to break the third-wicket partnership, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar later bowled Indrajith for 78 runs.

SEE ALSO: Chahal records best bowling figures in first-class career in England

India C scored 357/5

Sai Sudharsan scored 43 runs, and Patidar scored 40 runs. After Indrajith’s dismissal, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad returned to the batting and remained not out on 46 runs. At the stumps of the opening day, India C scored 357/5. 

Among the India B bowlers, pacer Mukesh Kumar picked up three wickets (3/76).

Former India 12th man Ishan Kishan made a surprising appearance in the India C playing XI during the second round of the Duleep Trophy 2024. The Jharkhand-born wicketkeeper-batter, who has been sidelined from the national team since the ODI World Cup 2023, reentered the spotlight without prior notice, leaving fans and experts alike baffled. Despite being listed in the India D squad initially, Kishan took the field for India C, replacing Aryan Juyal, sparking curiosity over the BCCI’s unexplained decision.

Ishan's journey from ODI World Cup to Duleep Trophy

Once a pivotal player for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, Ishan Kishan’s journey took a turn after the ODI World Cup 2023. The wicketkeeper-batter was named in the India D squad for the Duleep Trophy, but a groin injury kept him out of action during the first round. However, after scoring a century in the Buchi Babu Trophy, Ishan made his return, this time for India C, despite no official changes being announced for the squad.

His sudden appearance in India C's playing XI ignited social media, with fans campaigning for his return to the national team under the hashtag "Bring Back Ishan Kishan." BCCI’s silence on this shift only fueled the confusion, as no official statement explained the switch.

See Also: Ashwin sets sights on breaking McGrath and Lyon's records in Bangladesh Tests

Confusion surrounds BCCI’s move as Ishan eyes comeback

The BCCI's decision not to make an official announcement regarding Ishan’s inclusion in the India C squad left fans scratching their heads. Many questioned why the batter was listed for India D and then quietly moved to India C. Kishan’s last international appearance was during the South Africa tour in 2023, and his absence since has been a topic of speculation.

Ishan Kishan continuing from where he left off in red ball cricket

Got a 33 ball 50 in the last first class red ball match he played (for India v West Indies)

Goes into lunch with 20 off just 15 balls in #DuleepTrophy

— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) September 12, 2024

Ishan was announced as 1st choice wk for india d for 1st round then he got ruled out due to groin injury & sanju replaced him in d side, then he was not part of any squad for 2nd round but right now he is in playing 11 of India C which was announced as unchanged for 2nd round pic.twitter.com/V2BsZow9xA

— Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) September 12, 2024

Dropped after scoring 200
Dropped after playing a gem 82 vs pak in Asia cup saviour knock
Dropped after scoring 2 consecutive 50s in t20is
Dropped after scoring 50 in test
The poor luck of Ishan 💔

Give Him A Chance Please @BCCI@GautamGambhir
BRING BACK ISHAN KISHAN pic.twitter.com/w9hPv35Qm4

— KIRON GHOSAL (@KIRONGHOSA96823) September 11, 2024

Having taken a break after the ODI World Cup and missing out on the Ranji Trophy, Ishan was also omitted from BCCI’s central contracts list. Now, with his return in the Duleep Trophy, the left-hander hopes to make a significant impact and prove his worth to the selectors. A strong performance here could reignite his international career and make a compelling case for his inclusion in future national squads.

In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the squads for the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Notably, many players selected for India's opening Test against Bangladesh, including prominent names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, have been withdrawn from the Duleep Trophy. However, the scenario is different for Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal, who have both been asked to continue their participation in the Duleep Trophy despite their inclusion in the Test squad.

Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal retain Duleep Trophy duties

Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal, both of whom are part of India's 16-man squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, will continue to play in the Duleep Trophy. This decision indicates that they are unlikely to be included in the playing eleven for the Test match scheduled to take place in Chennai. The BCCI's move suggests a strategic approach, potentially to maintain their form and fitness leading up to the Test series.

Impact on team selection and player competitions

Sarfaraz Khan’s continued participation in the Duleep Trophy suggests that KL Rahul is likely to secure a spot in India’s Test XI. Khan and Rahul were viewed as direct competitors for a middle-order position, and Khan’s presence in the Duleep Trophy aligns with Rahul’s probable inclusion in the Test squad. Meanwhile, there have been no changes to the India C squad led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Noteworthy performances have been observed from Pant, Rahul, and Akash Deep in the Duleep Trophy opener, indicating a promising return to form for these players.

The BCCI, in a release ahead of the second round of Duleep Trophy matches, said: "India B's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant have been named in India's squad and the selectors have named Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh as replacements respectively. Fast bowler Yash Dayal has received his maiden national call-up while Sarfaraz Khan, who too has been named in India's squad, will feature in the second-round game."

See Also: Watch: Chahal shines with 5-wicket haul for Northamptonshire in County Championship

Updated India A squad: 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

Updated India B squad: 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 C squad remains unchanged for the second round. 

Updated India D squad: Shreyas lyer (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

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced on Tuesday, September 10, that star batter Rinku Singh has been added to the India B squad for the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Rinku replaces Rishabh Pant, who played in the first round as part of his preparation for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Pant scored a rapid 61 off 47 balls in the second innings after falling for just seven runs in the first. With Pant released to join the Bangladesh Test squad, Rinku Singh will now bolster India B’s batting lineup.

Alongside Pant, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been replaced by Suyash Prabhudessai, while left-arm seamer Yash Dayal, who earned his maiden India call-up for the Bangladesh Tests, will also miss the second round after an impressive debut against India A.

India A have seen a major reshuffle with captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep replaced by Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, SK Rasheed, Shams Mulani, and Aaqib Khan. Mayank Agarwal will now lead India A.

In India B, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant have been called to the national team, with Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh stepping in. Yash Dayal has earned his first national call-up, while Sarfaraz Khan will play one more match before joining the national squad.

Strong start for India B and key player updates

India B kicked off their Duleep Trophy campaign with a commanding 76-run win over India A. Musheer Khan was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant 181 on his debut, rescuing the team from a precarious 94/7 situation. Fast bowler Akash Deep also impressed, taking 9 wickets for 116 runs across both innings.

In addition to Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, several big names including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Deep have been released from India A to join the national squad for the Bangladesh series. All-rounder Axar Patel, who shone in the first round with a score of 86 and three wickets, will also leave India D for international duties, with Nishant Sindhu set to replace him.

See Also: Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test in Noida sees unique approach with grass cutting and fans for outfield drying

Updated India A squad: 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

Updated India B squad: 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)

Updated India D squad: Shreyas lyer (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

The 2024 Duleep Trophy has served as a crucial platform for many Indian cricket stars to return to red-ball cricket. With the home season around the corner, including a pivotal two-Test series against Bangladesh, the tournament has become a stage for players to showcase their skills. One of the standout performers was Rishabh Pant, who made a remarkable comeback to red-ball cricket.

Pant's impressive comeback performance

Rishabh Pant's return to the longer format of the game has been eagerly anticipated by fans and the cricketing fraternity. Playing for India B, Pant displayed his trademark flair behind the stumps and contributed significantly with the bat. His quickfire 61 in the second innings of the first round showcased his ability to turn the game in his team’s favor. Pant’s performance was a blend of aggression and precision, making it clear that he has regained his confidence in red-ball cricket.

Behind the stumps, Pant was back to his lively self, constantly chirping and engaging with his teammates. His energy was infectious, and his playful banter returned in full force. On Day 4, he had an amusing exchange with his Delhi Capitals and India teammate, Kuldeep Yadav, which provided some light-hearted entertainment during a tense match.

Banter between Pant and Kuldeep steals the show

As India A struggled to chase down a challenging target, Kuldeep Yadav found himself trying to steady the innings. Rishabh Pant, never one to miss an opportunity for some fun, began playfully teasing Kuldeep from behind the stumps. The duo, known for their strong off-field camaraderie, engaged in a hilarious back-and-forth, with Pant pretending to devise a “plan” to get Kuldeep out. Despite the playful ribbing, Kuldeep managed to keep his focus on the game, responding to Pant’s jibes with a smile and telling him to relax.

"Rishabh - isko single lene de , bhaut tagda plan banaya hai 

Kuldeep- thi h yaar , kyu pareshaan ho rha 

Rishabh - Toh phir out ho jaa na "

Rishabh - isko single lene de , bhaut tagda plan banaya hai

Kuldeep- thi h yaar , kyu pareshaan ho rha

Rishabh - Toh phir out ho jaa na 😂

Funniest banter you ever listen

Rishabh pant Tha character #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/gZLYQGXsD3

— Harsh shekhawat (@wordofshekhawat) September 8, 2024

Rishabh - isko single lene de , bhaut tagda plan banaya hai Kuldeep- thi h yaar , kyu pareshaan ho rha Rishabh - Toh phir out ho jaa na  Funniest banter you ever listen Rishabh pant Tha character

Pant's antics didn’t stop there. Before the start of Day 4, he mischievously slipped into the India A team huddle as Shubman Gill, the captain, addressed his players. Later, Pant shared a laugh with Avesh Khan, his India A and Delhi Capitals teammate, further highlighting the bond between the players. Pant’s banter, combined with his on-field performance, added a lively dynamic to the match and made his return to red-ball cricket even more memorable.

See Also: Avesh Khan's response at Chinnaswamy steals the show in Duleep Trophy (cricketwinner.com)

Rishabh Pant’s return in the Duleep Trophy not only boosted India B but also reminded everyone of his charismatic presence both on and off the field. As India prepares for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, Pant’s form and energy will be key assets for the team.