As the much-anticipated Duleep Trophy 2024 prepares to begin on September 5, the official start of India’s domestic cricket season is about to begin. This prestigious red-ball tournament is a critical platform for Indian cricketers to demonstrate their skills and vie for a place in the national Test team. Renowned for its competitive edge, the Duleep Trophy will be hosted at two prominent venues: Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Tournament format and teams

The Duleep Trophy 2024 will feature a total of six matches, with the participating teams—India A, India B, India C, and India D—each playing three matches against the others. The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with the team accumulating the most points emerging as the winner. Notably, there will be no knockout stages in this year’s edition.

India D: A team to watch

India D, captained by the dynamic Shreyas Iyer, is poised to be a formidable contender in the tournament. The squad boasts a blend of seasoned professionals and promising young talents, making them a team to watch closely. The lineup includes standout players like Iyer himself, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team.

Also READ: Duleep Trophy 2024-25: India C’s best playing XI – feat Ruturaj Gaikwad

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

Atharva Taide: An explosive batter renowned for his aggressive batting, Taide is a crucial player for India D. His powerful hitting and steady strike rate make him an essential part of the team’s top order.

Devdutt Padikkal: With his impressive consistency and ability to perform under pressure, Padikkal is an essential part of the top order. His knack for scoring runs reliably makes him a cornerstone of the team’s batting lineup.

Ricky Bhui: Known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to accelerate the scoring, Bhui excels in high-pressure situations. His ability to shift gears and drive the run rate makes him a crucial asset in the middle order.

Shreyas Iyer (c): The captain of India D, Iyer is renowned for his dynamic batting style and his ability to play impactful innings. His high strike rate, consistency, and leadership qualities make him an invaluable player and motivator for his team.

Yash Dubey: Dubey’s aggressive opening approach and capability to stabilize the middle order add crucial balance to the team. His impactful innings and role as a partnership builder are key to India D’s success.

Saransh Jain: As a standout all-rounder, Jain’s contributions with both bat and ball are significant. His exceptional all-round skills add depth and versatility to India D’s lineup.

Axar Patel: One of the most reliable all-rounders in world cricket, Patel’s contributions in both batting and bowling have been pivotal. His performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 have further cemented his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure.

KS Bharat (wk): Bharat’s agility and efficiency behind the stumps offer flexibility and stability to the team’s composition. His wicket-keeping skills are a valuable asset to India D.

Harshit Rana: At just 22 years old, Rana brings a youthful exuberance and impressive skill set to the team. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a versatile and promising fast bowler.

Tushar Deshpande: Known for his precision with right-arm medium pace, Deshpande is a key player for India D. His ability to consistently hit the right lengths makes him a challenging opponent for any batter.

Arshdeep Singh: Renowned for his remarkable pace and swing, Arshdeep is an indispensable asset to the team. His ability to deliver crucial spells and maintain composure in tight situations highlights his immense talent and reliability.

As the Duleep Trophy 2024 unfolds, all eyes will be on India D and their impressive lineup. With a well-balanced team and a mix of experience and youthful talent, they are set to be strong contenders in this season’s tournament.

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

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