Duleep Trophy Returns to Assess Bowlers Ahead of India's Busy Test Schedule

The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic cricket tournament in India, is set to kick off the 2024/25 season on September 5. The tournament will feature many players from India's current Test team and those close to national selection, providing a crucial platform for selectors to assess their performances.

The Duleep Trophy has undergone several format changes over the years, including a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new format features four teams, labeled A, B, C, and D, with the top two teams advancing to the final. This revamped format aims to provide bowlers with ample opportunities to showcase their skills ahead of India's busy Test schedule.

According to former India's men's bowling coach Bharat Arun, the Duleep Trophy offers an ideal opportunity to assess bowlers before India plays ten Tests by January 7, 2025. "It provides an opportunity for all the cricketers to have enough number of overs under the belt. Also, it's a great process to see how they fare with the red ball," said Arun.

The Duleep Trophy's format change coincides with a new structure for the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic first-class cricket tournament. The Ranji Trophy will be split into two phases, with the first phase featuring five group matches. The second phase, including the last two group stage games and the knockouts, will commence after the Vijay Hazare Trophy ends on January 18, 2025.

Arun believes that the new Ranji Trophy format will benefit players by providing them with more competitive matches against teams of equal strength. "It would work because you are playing more against teams that are equals rather than you pit it against someone who's well below the expected standards," said Arun.

The Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy format changes aim to enhance the quality of domestic cricket in India and provide players with the best possible preparation for international competition. The tournaments will serve as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring cricketers to showcase their talents and earn a place in the national team.

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