Indian limited-overs cricketer Rinku Singh is all set to make his mark in the second round of the Duleep Trophy 2024 after being absent in the initial stages. Rinku, who showcased his skills in the UP T20 League, will join the India B squad as they prepare to face off beginning September 12.
In a development that affects the team’s composition, players dedicated to India’s first Test against Bangladesh will be departing their respective Duleep Trophy teams to attend a preparatory camp a week before the Test match scheduled on September 19. However, Sarfaraz Khan, included in the 16-member squad for the initial Test against Bangladesh, will stay back with India B for their round two fixture. This match is set to be held from September 12 to 15, concluding just four days before the Test series opener against the Bangla Tigers.
The ESPNCricinfo report brings to light Rinku Singh’s enlistment in the face of these changes, lending vitality to the upcoming round of matches. As an effort to bridge the absences, several players from the India A team will be heading out for the Bangladesh series, including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep. To fill their void, Pratam Singh, Akshay Wadkar, Shaik Rasheed, Shams Mulani, and Pulkit Narang are set to join the squad, potentially adding fresh energy and strategies to the competition.
India B will also experience changes as they anticipate missing key players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Yash Dayal. Their shooting prowess and technique will be supplemented by Suyash Prabhudesai, Himanshu Mantri, and the much-anticipated addition of Rinku Singh. The inclusion of these players can be seen as a vital tactical move, fortifying India B’s arsenal as they head into their second-round matches.
The India C team, intriguingly, remains unaffected by the upcoming Test series squad changes. However, India D would not be as fortunate, with Axar Patel and Tushar Deshpande needed for Test duties. Their roles will be covered by the entrance of fast bowler Vidhwath Kaverappa and the versatile all-rounder Nishant Sindhu, giving India D a new dynamic.
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The anticipated squads for the second round of Duleep Trophy bring forth an assorted mix of promising talent. The India A team will be spearheaded by experienced players like Mayank Agarwal and feature budding stars including Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube. Moreover, the team also includes Tanush Kotian, Khaleel Ahmed, and a strong bowling lineup with Avesh Khan and Kumar Kushagra. New additions like Pratam Singh, Akshay Wadkar, Shaik Rasheed, Shams Mulani, and Pulkit Narang aim to fill the void left by departing players, ensuring no dip in performance.
On the other hand, the India B squad, captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran, boasts a talent pool including Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar. With the arrival of Rinku Singh, Suyash Prabhudesai, and Himanshu Mantri, the team maintains its competitive edge. Fast bowlers Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar, supported by spinner Rahul Chahar and all-rounder R Sai Kishore, reinforce the squad.
India C, captained by the proficient Ruturaj Gaikwad, showcases a blend of seasoned and emerging talents with players like Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, and Abishek Porel. The bowling department sees contributions from Gaurav Yadav, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and wrist-spinner Mayank Markande, balanced with wicketkeeping duties split between Abishek Porel and Aryan Juyal.
Lastly, the India D squad is marshaled by captain Shreyas Iyer and features an array of talented players such as Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, and Devdutt Padikkal. The squad is bolstered with experienced T20 player Sanju Samson on wicketkeeping duties. Javeline threats like Arshdeep Singh enhance the bowling lineup alongside Aditya Thakare and Harshit Rana. The team adds resilience with all-rounders Axar Patel and Nishant Sindhu, promising an impressive outing in the second round of the Duleep Trophy.
As the Duleep Trophy unfolds into its second round, these reshuffled squads promise a blend of experience, skill, and fresh talent that cricket enthusiasts eagerly look forward to witnessing.