Bharat Arun calls Duleep Trophy 2024 ideal platform to assess bowlers without Bumrah, Shami, Siraj

Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun believes that the Duleep Trophy 2024 will be an ideal opportunity to assess bowlers ahead of a packed schedule. Bharat Arun said that the tournament allows bowlers to gain experience with the red ball before India plays ten Tests by January next year.

The Rohit Sharma-led side will begin their home international season with five Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Before this, the Indian cricketers will be seen in action during the first round of the Duleep Trophy, which is set to commence on September 5 in Bengaluru and Anantapur.

The Duleep Trophy format has changed for this year. The new format of the tournament has four teams (A, B, C, and D). After the group stages, the top two teams will advance to the final match of the tournament. Notably, the tournament wasn't held for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Provides An Opportunity For All The Cricketers - Bharat Arun

In a conversation with IANS, Bharat Arun said that the selectors have picked around 18-20 players and added that the focus will be on specific bowlers during the competition.

"It provides an opportunity for all the cricketers to have enough number of overs under the belt. Also, it’s a great process to see how they fare with the red ball. The selectors have picked nearly 18-20 players, isn’t it? So, I’m sure they must have zeroed in on a few of the bowlers."

"Duleep Trophy provides you the right kind of platform for you to assess the bowlers. Also, the bowlers get to have enough number of overs under their belt so that it’s like preparation for the (future) Test series," Bharat Arun told IANS.

Team India will face a big challenge during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series in Australia later this year. India’s fast bowlers will play a crucial role in helping the team secure victory in Australia. The team also aims for their third consecutive World Test Championship final.

You Have To Raise The Standards - Bharat Arun

The Ranji Trophy format has been changed for the 2024/25 season. The Ranji Trophy will be divided into two phases due to disruptions last winter in the north and northeast regions. The first phase will have five group matches, and the second phase will start after the Vijay Hazare Trophy concludes.

Bharat Arun highlighted the benefits of the Ranji Trophy's new two-phase structure. Arun stated that playing against equally matched teams pushes players to improve and raise their standards.

"It would work because you are playing more against teams that are equals rather than you pit it against someone who’s well below the expected standards."

"So, when you’re pitted against equals, who are better cricketers, you have to raise the standards. That’s the only way to learn. So, it’s a good opportunity for all of them to up the standard when you’re playing again amongst equals," Arun continued.

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