Key India Player Included In Asia Cup 2025 squad gets injured; gets ruled out of..
Published - 28 Aug 2025, 12:16 PM | Updated - 28 Aug 2025, 12:17 PM
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Central Zone and East Zone have suffered a massive setback as the first game of the Duleep Trophy 2025 kicked off on August 28 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Both Central Zone captain Dhruv Jurel and East Zone skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran are ruled out of the first game, raising India's tension ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
The young Indian wicketkeeper developed a groin niggle just before the Duleep Trophy 2025 opener on Thursday. With Dhruv Jurel’s name already on the Asia Cup 2025 standby list and India set to host four crucial Test matches after that, the selectors asked him to pull out of the match.
Dhruv Jurel and Abhimanyu Easwaran ruled out as Duleep Trophy 2025 kicks off
The BCCI is not ready to risk Jurel ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, especially with Rishabh Pant’s fitness still uncertain. On the other hand, Abhimanyu Easwaran faced another setback after spending the entire England tour warming the bench.
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Easwaran was handed the East Zone captaincy in the absence of Ishan Kishan. But fate had other plans, as Easwaran had a sudden flu on the morning of the 2025 Duleep Trophy match, and he had to sit out of the match.
He missed his chance to pile up runs and remind the selectors of his hunger. Despite being part of several India squads, Easwaran is still waiting for his chance.
BCCI plays it safe with Dhruv Jurel ahead of Asia Cup 2025
A BCCI source was quoted as saying by the Times of India, “Jurel has picked up a groin niggle on the eve of the match, and he has been asked to skip this match by the selectors.”
The source further added, “He (Jurel) is also in the standbys of the Asia Cup 2025 squad, and the selectors don't want to take any risk. Right after the Asia Cup, India will be playing four Test matches at home, and with uncertainty over (Rishabh) Pant's injury, Jurel has been asked not to take any risk.”
In Jurel’s absence, the RCB captain Rajat Patidar is leading the Central Zone against the North Zone. Patidar had scripted history by leading the RCB to their maiden IPL crown in 18 years earlier this year. On the other hand, East Zone’s leadership has been handed to Riyan Parag, who captained Rajasthan Royals earlier this year in the IPL 2025, in the absence of Easwaran.
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Operation Sindoor sparks boycott calls, but Mohammed Shami puts cricket first
Meanwhile, the India vs Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai has become bigger than the Asia Cup 2025 itself. With Operation Sindoor fueling calls for a boycott, Mohammed Shami said that cricket runs on the government's decisions, irrespective of the emotions.
Mohammed Shami was quoted as saying by News24: “I don’t go behind controversies. It is always better to agree with whatever the government and the cricket board say. Whatever they decide, you should stick behind it. Cricket isn’t played just by emotions. There are a lot of other things involved. When everyone agrees to play, you should play.”
Shami added, “I don’t think it is absolutely different playing against Pakistan as compared to other nations. However, the fans have that emotion. Their craze creates a whole new environment. That plays a part in pumping up the players extra. So, that is fun.”
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