In a recent development in Indian cricket, Sanju Samson has been named as the replacement for Ishan Kishan in the India D team for the first-round match of the Duleep Trophy 2024. The announcement came on Wednesday, September 4, after Ishan Kishan was ruled out due to a groin injury. The upcoming match against India C, scheduled to begin on Thursday in Ananthapur, will see Samson stepping into Kishan’s shoes as the wicket-keeper batter.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed this significant change in the squad and also provided updates on other players’ health conditions. Alongside Kishan, the BCCI shed light on the unavailability of fast bowler Prasidh Krishna and batter Suryakumar Yadav for the first round of the Duleep Trophy. However, they gave a positive update on young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been declared fully fit and ready to participate in the first-round clash for Team B.
In their official statement, the BCCI said, “Wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the first round of the Duleep Trophy due to a groin injury sustained during the ongoing All-India Buchi Babu Tournament. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring his condition and working towards ensuring a swift recovery.” This announcement marks a setback for India D, who will miss the presence and skills of Kishan behind the stumps and with the bat.
The BCCI further elaborated on Prasidh Krishna’s condition, stating, “Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna is nearing completion of his rehab following surgery for his left quadriceps tendon and will miss the first-round game of the Duleep Trophy. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been cleared to play and will be available for selection.” Prasidh Krishna’s absence leaves a gap in the bowling lineup, adding pressure on the remaining bowlers to deliver the required performance.
The fitness of Suryakumar Yadav remains an important concern for the selectors. Yadav suffered a thumb injury during the Buchi Babu Tournament, which casts doubt on his participation in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The BCCI’s statement read, “Batter Suryakumar Yadav will also be unavailable for the first round of the Duleep Trophy after suffering a sprain to his right thumb while fielding in the All-India Buchi Babu Tournament.
. The BCCI Medical Team is continuing to assess his injury, and a further evaluation next week will determine his availability for the second round.”
Suryakumar’s form and fitness are crucial for India’s middle-order stability, particularly with important matches on the horizon. His potential absence from both the Duleep Trophy and the subsequent Test series could be a significant blow to India’s batting strength.
In parallel, the inclusion of Sanju Samson adds a fresh dynamic to the India D squad. Known for his powerful batting and reliable glove work, Samson is expected to fill the void left by Kishan efficiently. His performance in this high-visibility tournament could also bolster his chances for national team selection in upcoming international fixtures.
Sanju Samson has had a rollercoaster of a career so far, featuring both ups and downs. His ability to play impactful innings, combined with his experience, makes him a valuable asset for India D. The first round of the Duleep Trophy will be an excellent platform for Samson to showcase his abilities and cement his place in the squad.
The revamped India D squad for the first round now includes: Shreyas Iyer (C), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (WK), Saurabh Kumar, and Sanju Samson (WK). This mix of experienced players and young talent aims to strike a balance between aggression and stability as they embark on their Duleep Trophy campaign.
The schedule for the Duleep Trophy 2024 has lined up intriguing fixtures and high-stakes matches, generating excitement among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. With the latest squad update, all eyes will be on Sanju Samson and the reshaped India D team as they take to the field in Ananthapur.
In conclusion, the injury setbacks for players like Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are a concern for team management and fans, but the inclusion of a seasoned player like Sanju Samson brings hope and anticipation. The upcoming first-round match in the Duleep Trophy promises to be an exciting contest, showcasing the depth and talent in Indian cricket.
