Hardik Pandya's red-ball career finished? All-rounder receives BCCI's gentle approach for Duleep Trophy

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya isn't interested in making a comeback to the national red-ball side despite playing a crucial role in white-ball tournaments in recent times. Hardik Pandya is unlikely to participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which is scheduled to begin in Bengaluru next month.

The Duleep Trophy is a multi-day first-class tournament with a league format. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed that Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host the first of six four-day matches on September 5. The tournament will conclude on September 22 without knockout stages.

"This decision comes at the request of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). We have agreed to host the match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium," a KSCA official told Cricbuzz.

Hardik Pandya To Miss Duleep Trophy 2024

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed the international players to feature in the Duleep Trophy ahead of the busy Test schedule. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah haven't been issued any directive. Also, Hardik Pandya will most likely not feature in the Duleep Trophy as BCCI hasn't put any pressure on him considering he doesn't play red-ball cricket.

Hardik Pandya made his Test debut for India against Sri Lanka in July 2017. The right-arm batter has scored 532 runs in 11 Test matches at a decent average of 31.29, including one century and four half-centuries. The all rounder has taken 17 wickets at an average of 31.06, with best bowling figures of 5/28.

Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Unlikely To Feature Duleep Trophy 2024

According to the Cricbuzz report, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are anticipated to participate in the Duleep Trophy. The report further added that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have the choice to decide their participation in the domestic competition.

Wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan is expected to be included in one of the four squads despite being constantly overlooked for international matches. Pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be exempt from domestic duties, and Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from surgery, is unlikely to participate.

Team India To Face Bangaldesh In Two Match Test Series

The BCCI and selectors, with input from new coach Gautam Gambhir, decided to include international players in domestic matches to tackle the problem of players missing these games. The board previously decided to exclude Iyer and Ishan from the central contract list for their non-participation in the Ranji Trophy.

Rohit Sharma’s team will take a long break from international cricket before the home Test series against Bangladesh. The Indian cricket team will play Bangladesh in a two-match Test series at home. The first Test match will be held in Chennai, starting on September 19, followed by the second match in Kanpur.

Also read: Bangladesh Test squad for Pakistan series announced; Taskin Ahmed to feature in just one match