Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli forced to play in Duleep Trophy after BCCI's direct order

The pioneers of Indian cricket Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2024. As per the reports in Indian Express, it is learned that both the senior batters will be named in the squad by the BCCI for the competition.

As per the reports, it is learned that BCCI selectors want all the players to be part of the Duleep Trophy. This is because they want the players to get into the groove for the Test series against Bangladesh. The domestic tournament in India will begin on 5th September.

The reports also added that BCCI is planning to keep one round of the tournament at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. It is likely that senior Indian players including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be featuring in that phase of the tournament. The Duleep Trophy will begin in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

But with the venue not connected by air transport, it is unlikely that some of the big names will be playing in the tournament opener. However, the Bengaluru leg of the Duleep Trophy is expected to see some of the big Indian names play and prepare for the Bangladesh series.

It isn’t clear so far if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the first game of the Duleep Trophy or not but might feature in the second game. It is also learned that BCCI is also planning a short camp in Chennai before the Test series against Bangladesh. If that materializes, then the Indian players will feature in the first round of the Duleep Trophy.

It is also learned that BCCI selectors are all set to discuss the inclusions for the two Tests against Bangladesh. India will be playing 10 Tests going ahead and they are keen to give game time to players ahead of the hectic season. Also, the five-match Test series against Australia is around the corner and the Duleep Trophy will be a great platform for players to get into a groove.

BCCI will select four squads — India A, India B, India C, and India D. It is learned that Jasprit Bumrah will be rested in the Duleep trophy as he has been given a prolonged rest period. With Mohammed Shami also set to return in the Bangladesh series, Bumrah might be rested there as well.

Apart from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, BCCI asks KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and other starts to play in Duleep Trophy

Then reports also claimed that apart from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, BCCI has asked KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Surykumar Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav to play in the Duleep Trophy.

The six matches of Duleep Trophy will begin on September 5 and end on September 24. The first game of the Test series between India and Bangladesh will be played in Chennai from September 19. It remains to be seen who will be featuring in the domestic tournament and then the international series.