Former India batter Suresh Raina suggested that senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should have participated in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2024. The 37-year-old believes their experience and understanding of preparation would be beneficial in India’s upcoming Test matches. Initially, there were speculations that both batters will play in the Duleep Trophy and their omission from the squad has generated considerable attention.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Tak, Raina emphasized the importance of spending time with family. Notably, Rohit and Kohli are currently with their families and are expected to be part of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19. In addition, the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India has yet to announce the squad for the series.
Following this series, India will play eight more Test matches- three against New Zealand (home) and five against Australia (away), all are part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Additionally, Rohit and Virat last represented India in the ODI series in Sri Lanka, where the tourists lost 2-0.
“They should have played. We have not played any red-ball cricket after the IPL. If you are going for a big series, you need to play red-ball cricket. I think they are all mature enough and they know how they need to practice once they regroup. Sometimes family time is very important,” Raina who is set to feature in the upcoming Legends League Cricket (LLC) said.
In addition to Rohit and Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah was another notable absentee from the Duleep Trophy squad. The ace Indian fast bowler last played in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa at Kennington Oval in Barbados, where India won by seven runs. Bumrah emerged as the Player of the Tournament, having picked up 15 wickets. In addition, Indian players such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav will take part in the Duleep Trophy, which is set to commence on September 5.
