The star Indian cricketer Sanju Samson has been called up to replace the injured Ishan Kishan in the India D team for the 2024 Duleep Trophy. The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 4, just a day before the first-round match against India C, which is set to begin on Thursday in Ananthapur. Kishan, who has been suffering from a groin injury, will be unavailable for what promises to be a highly anticipated cricket encounter.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the replacement, providing detailed updates on the statuses of other key players. Among them, Suryakumar Yadav and Prasidh Krishna have also been ruled out for the initial stages of the tournament, raising concerns and speculations among fans and analysts alike. However, there was a piece of encouraging news from the BCCI regarding the young all-rounder Nitish Reddy, who has been declared fully fit and ready to participate in the first-round clash for Team B.
A statement released by the BCCI elucidated the circumstances of Kishan’s injury, which occurred during the ongoing All-India Buchi Babu Tournament. “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 statement read. “The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring his condition and working towards ensuring a swift recovery.”
Prasidh Krishna’s injury situation also garnered attention in the BCCI’s communication. “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,” the statement continued. All these injuries have cast a shadow over the teams’ preparations, but they also opened the door for other talents to step in.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, meanwhile, brought some relief to his team as the BCCI confirmed his availability. “All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been cleared to play and will be available for selection,” the BCCI reported. This news will surely boost Team B’s confidence as they approach the opening match.
Another significant worry for the teams and their supporters has been the unavailability of Suryakumar Yadav, who is dealing with a thumb injury sustained during the Buchi Babu Tournament.
. The injury’s severity has put not only his participation in the Duleep Trophy but also his role in the upcoming Tests against Bangladesh, in jeopardy. The BCCI gave a cautious update on his condition: “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.”
The squad for India D has undergone several revisions. Sanju Samson, who previously was not in the lineup, has now been added, bringing his experience and flair to the team. The updated squad will feature prominent names such as Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (Wicket Keeper), Saurabh Kumar, and of course, the newly included Sanju Samson (Wicket Keeper).
This wave of injuries has certainly altered the dynamics of the competition. With key players missing, the burden now falls on the shoulders of emerging stars to fill in and elevate their performances. For Sanju Samson, this is yet another opportunity to showcase his skill set and leadership potential, both of which will be crucial for India D as they kick off their campaign.
The Duleep Trophy, being one of the oldest and most prestigious domestic cricket tournaments in India, always brings a sense of thrill and eagerness among cricket enthusiasts. Each year, it witnesses budding talents battling it out, making a case for themselves on the pathway to national selection. As the teams gear up for the first-round clashes amidst unforeseen injuries, the unfolding games promise to deliver high-octane cricketing action.
This unexpected twist has indeed added a layer of intrigue to the 2024 edition of the Duleep Trophy. Sanju Samson stepping in for Ishan Kishan could well turn out to be a decisive factor for India D as they brace themselves for the intense competition that lies ahead. With a combination of proven talents and young prospects, the stage is set for what should be a captivating tournament.
