Ishan Kishan, who made headlines with his controversial pullout from the Jharkhand Ranji team last season, is set to lead the team once again. The explosive left-hander faced backlash for prioritizing franchise cricket over domestic commitments, leading to his omission from the BCCI's central contract. However, the 26-year-old has since proven himself with strong performances in domestic cricket, including a century on his return in the Duleep Trophy. Now, as captain, Kishan has the opportunity to lead a young squad and make amends for his absence last season in the upcoming Ranji Trophy campaign.
Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane recalls a bold decision he made as captain during a Duleep Trophy fixture in 2022 where he sent young player Yashasvi Jaiswal off the field for sledging. Despite facing criticism, Rahane stood by his decision, which ultimately proved to be beneficial as the match referee planned to give Jaiswal a four-match ban for his actions. This incident served as a turning point for Jaiswal and he has since excelled in Test cricket.
The prestigious title of Jamsaheb of Nawanagar, formerly known as Jamnagar, has been passed down to former cricketer Ajay Jadeja, belonging to the royal family of Jamnagar. Jadeja's relatives have a long-standing legacy in the sport, with tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy named after them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently paid his respects to the previous Jam Saheb, highlighting the significance of the royal family and their contributions to Indian cricket.
Ishan Kishan, who has made his mark in domestic cricket through his performances in several prestigious tournaments, such as Buchi Babu trophy, Duleep trophy, and the Irani Cup, has been named the captain of Jharkhand for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Despite facing setbacks in his international career, Kishan remains determined to show his prowess in the domestic red-ball format. While some critics and the BCCI secretary may have questioned his commitment, those close to the player have vouched for his dedication to the Ranji Trophy. Kishan's leadership and batting skills will be put to the test when Jharkhand takes on Assam in the opening clash.
Star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will be returning to lead the Kerala team for the second round of the Ranji Trophy after India's tour against Bangladesh in 2024. The Kerala Cricket Association had announced its 15-member squad for the first round without Samson due to his national commitments. After displaying his batting prowess in the Duleep Trophy, Samson's return to the domestic circuit will give him important game time before the upcoming T20 series against South Africa.
Akash Deep's passion for cricket was met with personal struggles and loss, but he refused to let them deter him from his dream of excelling in the sport. Through hard work and resilience, he made a name for himself in the Bengal Under-23 team, earning a spot in the senior team and securing a contract with RCB in the IPL. In 2023, he showcased his talent with a stunning 10-wicket match performance in the Ranji Trophy final, catching the eye of selectors and earning a spot in the Duleep Trophy. This all led to his impressive Test debut against England in Ranchi, marking the beginning of his promising career in test cricket.
Mumbai will welcome back experienced players Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur for their upcoming Irani Cup match against the Rest of India. With Ajinkya Rahane leading the squad, the Mumbai team will aim to continue their success in the five-day first-class fixture. Thakur's all-round abilities and Iyer's comeback will be a boost for the team, who are eager to make a mark in the tournament. Despite a mediocre performance in the Duleep Trophy, Iyer will be hoping to make a strong case for a spot in the Indian team.
Nitish Reddy's incredible diving catch dismissed Mayank Agarwal and gave India B the initial breakthrough against India A in the final day of the Duleep Trophy opener. With Yash Dayal and Navdeep Saini picking up wickets in the morning session, India B is looking to secure all six points. However, the four-wicket collapse of India A has put them in danger of suffering a loss. The senior stars are in need of a big partnership to avoid a potential defeat in the final hours of the match.
KL Rahul, who is vying for a spot in India's squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, faced criticism from fans on social media after a disappointing knock of 37 off 111 balls in the ongoing Duleep Trophy. Representing India A, Rahul's rusty form has raised concerns among fans as they trolled him on Twitter. This adds pressure on the star batter to perform better and secure a spot in the national team.
During the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024, young Indian batsman Sarfaraz Khan delivered an exciting performance in the India B vs India A match. After a disappointing first inning, Sarfaraz came back strong with a rapid-fire knock of 46 runs in just 36 balls, powered by five consecutive boundaries against India A's Akash Deep. This spectacular display of batting surely put him back in contention for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series.