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The Duleep Trophy 2024-25 season has introduced some significant changes, making it a crucial platform for Indian players to sharpen their skills ahead of the Bangladesh Test series. Starting from September 5, 2024, the competition moves away from its traditional zonal structure and now follows a four-team format. This adjustment is designed to give players more competitive experience. The teams, named A, B, C, and D, will compete in a round-robin format with no knockout stages this year. The team that accumulates the most points by the end of the tournament will be crowned the winner.
Points System Overview
Each team will earn points based on their performances in every match. The point system typically rewards teams for wins, draws with an advantage, and first-innings leads, which keeps every session crucial. Points are earned as follows:
- Win: Teams secure a significant number of points for a win.
- Draw: In the event of a draw, teams can still earn points based on their performance, especially if they lead after the first innings.
This format promotes attacking play, as players and teams look to maximize their chances of advancing through these points rather than depending on later knockout matches.
Top Players and Key Captains
This season showcases some of India’s top cricketing talent, making it an essential stage for those seeking a place in the national Test squad. The captains include:
- Shubman Gill (Team A): A key player for India across all formats, Gill’s consistency and attacking mindset will be vital in leading his side.
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (Team B): A steady opener with a solid domestic record, he will aim to impress selectors ahead of international opportunities.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Team C): Known for his graceful stroke play, Gaikwad has been on the radar for India’s white-ball and Test formats.
- Shreyas Iyer (Team D): Returning from injury, Iyer has a point to prove, especially to cement his spot in the middle order for India.
Venues and Schedule
Matches will be played at the Rural Development Trust Stadium and ACA ADCA Ground in Anantapur, and the prestigious M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The tournament will run until September 22, allowing players ample match practice before India’s international commitments. With top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the tournament, young stars like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Suryakumar Yadav will be in the spotlight.
This year’s Duleep Trophy also acts as a preparatory tournament for India’s Test series against Bangladesh later this month, with players looking to secure their places in the squad. The absence of some star names may provide opportunities for younger talent to shine and make their mark on the national stage.
Live Broadcast
Fans can catch all the action live on Sports 18 Networks and stream matches on the Jio Cinema app, ensuring full coverage for cricket enthusiasts across the country.
With the revamped format and the spotlight on emerging players, the Duleep Trophy 2024-25 promises to be a pivotal competition for Indian cricket.