BCCI Moves Duleep Trophy Opener to Bengaluru; Kohli and Sharma Might Participate

New Delhi: In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to relocate one of the opening matches of the 2024 Duleep Trophy from Anantapur to Bengaluru. Initially set to start on September 5 in Anantapur, this change comes as part of a strategic move to address logistical challenges and provide top players with an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

The match will now be held at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, chosen for its more accessible location compared to Anantapur, which is about 230 kilometers away and lacks direct flight connections. This adjustment is aimed at easing travel issues for players and officials and enhancing the overall experience for fans.

The decision to shift the venue is also influenced by the possibility of senior Indian players participating in the tournament. Although fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are expected to miss out, senior batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might feature in the tournament. Their participation remains at their discretion, offering them flexibility to either join or skip the event based on their preferences.

Besides Kohli and Sharma, other prominent cricketers such as Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Kuldeep Yadav are likely to take part in varying capacities throughout the tournament. Their involvement will be crucial for gaining valuable match practice ahead of the Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the second Test on September 27 in Kanpur.

Overall, the Duleep Trophy will serve as an important preparatory platform for Indian players, allowing them to hone their skills and build form in the lead-up to key international fixtures.