The much-anticipated Duleep Trophy 2024-25 is set to commence on September 5, marking the official start of India’s domestic cricket season. This red-ball tournament is crucial for India’s cricketers as it offers them a platform to showcase their skills and strengthen their claims for a spot in the national Test team. The Duleep Trophy, known for its competitive spirit, will be hosted at two venues: Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The significance of the Duleep Trophy

With several top Indian cricketers participating, the Duleep Trophy is more than just a domestic competition. It is a proving ground for players eager to make a mark in the Indian Test squad. For many, this tournament serves as an opportunity to showcase their red-ball credentials and catch the selectors’ attention ahead of the upcoming international series.

Star-studded lineup across teams

Four teams will compete in the tournament: India A, India B, India C, and India D. Shubman Gill will captain India A, while Abhimanyu Easwaran leads India B. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named captain of India C, and Shreyas Iyer will helm India D. Each team boasts a mix of experienced stars and emerging talent, making this year’s competition highly anticipated.

India C’s strong contenders

India C, led by Gaikwad, is expected to be a formidable side in the Duleep Trophy. The team is packed with talent, featuring players like Suryakumar Yadav, Rajat Patidar, Sai Sudharsan, and wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel. The combination of experienced campaigners and promising young players makes India C a team to watch out for in the tournament.

Also READ: Duleep Trophy 2024-25: India A’s best playing XI – feat Shubman Gill

India C’s top-choice playing XI for the Duleep Trophy 2024:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c) – The captain of India C, Gaikwad is known for his consistency at the top of the order. His calm approach and ability to build innings will be crucial for India C in navigating through tough bowling spells. As the leader, he will also need to make smart tactical decisions on the field.

Rajat Patidar – A reliable middle-order batter, Patidar has shown his ability to stabilize innings and deliver under pressure. His experience in domestic cricket makes him a key figure in the lineup, and he will be expected to play the role of an anchor while also accelerating when required.

Sai Sudharsan – One of the most exciting young prospects in Indian cricket, Sudharsan has already made a name for himself with his fearless batting. He brings a fresh energy to the side and will be looking to continue his impressive rise with strong performances in the Duleep Trophy.

Suryakumar Yadav – A dynamic and versatile batter, Yadav is capable of taking the game away from the opposition with his explosive stroke play. He can adapt to various situations, whether it’s consolidating after early wickets or launching an aggressive counter-attack. His presence in the middle order provides a formidable edge to India C’s batting lineup.

Abhishek Porel – The young wicketkeeper-batter has shown promise with both the gloves and the bat. In addition to his responsibilities behind the stumps, Porel will be expected to contribute valuable runs in the lower middle order, especially during tough situations.

Aryan Juyal (wk) – Another wicketkeeping option for India C, Juyal’s inclusion provides flexibility to the team. His ability to rotate the strike and play sensible cricket adds depth to the batting lineup, making him a valuable asset in pressure situations.

Anshul Kamboj – A talented all-rounder, Kamboj can make important contributions with both bat and ball. His ability to chip in with useful runs down the order, coupled with his knack for breaking partnerships with his bowling, provides India C with crucial balance.

Mayank Markande – A leg-spinner with a knack for picking wickets, Markande will play a pivotal role in the middle overs. His variations and ability to control the game with spin make him a crucial component in India C’s bowling attack, particularly on turning tracks.

Sandeep Warrier – The experienced fast bowler will spearhead India C’s pace attack. Warrier’s ability to swing the ball and his disciplined line and length will be essential in providing early breakthroughs, setting the tone for the rest of the bowling unit.

Vijaykumar Vyshak – A promising young pacer, Vyshak brings pace and aggression to the bowling lineup. He will be looking to complement Warrier by applying pressure with tight bowling and striking at key moments, especially during the middle overs.

Gaurav Yadav – Another fast bowler, Gaurav Yadav will add variety to the pace attack. Known for his ability to bowl with control and extract movement off the pitch, Yadav will be tasked with maintaining pressure on the opposition and delivering crucial breakthroughs.

Also READ: Who is Gaurav Yadav? The net-bowler from RCB who replaces Umran Malik in Duleep Trophy 2024

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