As India prepares for a crucial red-ball cricket phase following a long period dominated by short-form matches, the 2024 Duleep Trophy is set to provide the perfect springboard for an upcoming series of 10 Test matches over the next four and a half months. The first round, commencing on September 5, will showcase the best of India’s domestic cricket talent as players acclimate to the distinct demands of Test cricket while striving to make significant impacts early on.
While the core of the Test team is relatively established across most facets, several questions linger, notably in the fast-bowling department, which remains the most fragile. With Mohammed Shami still recuperating nearly a year post his ODI World Cup heroics, the search for a reliable third seamer is more pressing than ever. Mukesh Kumar appeared to be the frontrunner at the start of the Test series against England earlier this year; however, a lackluster performance in Visakhapatnam led to Akash Deep seizing the opportunity, delivering a more impactful performance in his sole Test appearance.
Despite this, the position of India’s third or fourth seamer remains an open contest, and it’s a central narrative heading into the Duleep Trophy. Mukesh and Akash are among several contenders, including Prasidh Krishna, who missed the Maharaja T20 Trophy due to injury and will also be absent for the Duleep Trophy’s opening clash. Additional competitors include Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Sandeep Warrier, Tushar Deshpande, Harshit Rana, and Navdeep Saini, each bringing their unique skillsets to the table.
The selection process for the fast-bowling department will be anything but straightforward as the selectors and team management aim to build a robust pool of pacers for the extensive Test schedule. Paras Mhambrey, India’s former bowling coach who played a pivotal role in the recent T20 World Cup victory, emphasizes the density of Test cricket ahead and the necessity of having a deep roster of bowlers. Mhambrey points out that bowlers will need to be assessed on various metrics, including their performance across different spells and conditions, to shortlist a reliable group of six or seven pace bowlers who can be rotated effectively.
“There’s quite a lot of Test cricket here. You will require a pool of bowlers to last the 10 Test matches that India are playing because at some point you’d have to rest Bumrah or Siraj. Good to see that some of them are in the reckoning or close to selection,” he stated in a conversation with Cricbuzz.
. Mhambrey also highlights the importance of closely monitoring bowlers’ performances in various phases of the game, on flatter wickets, and under conditions that test fitness and game understanding.
With the Duleep Trophy featuring a pool of 17 frontline pacers, the team management might only field a pair per lineup, influenced by the conditions in Bengaluru and Anantpur, unless specific requests or rotational needs arise. Strategic considerations, such as evaluating bowlers’ performances at key moments like post-lunch or end-of-day spells, will also come into play, potentially influencing selectorial decisions. This careful, meticulous evaluation aims to discern who among the contenders can handle the dynamic requirements of Test cricket in both India and abroad, particularly in upcoming tours to Australia and beyond.
Mhambrey suggests that the Duleep Trophy could also serve as a testing ground for newcomers in high-pressure situations against international-standard batsmen, thereby raising their profile for national selection. Anticipating long-term challenges, Mhambrey already eyes the England tour next year, emphasizing the immediate priority of Australia’s tour in two months. Navdeep Saini, with prior red-ball experience on Australian soil, stands out although his involvement hinges on his recovery from a quadriceps injury that sidelines him from the opening game of the Duleep Trophy.
Moreover, the pursuit of a versatile left-arm pacer adds another layer to the selection strategy, with Khaleel, Dayal, and Arshdeep vying to fulfill this niche role. Mhambrey believes that nurturing a few left-armers could offer India a strategic edge through the varied angles and deliveries these bowlers can provide.
In terms of imminent selections, such as the series against Bangladesh, current form could be the deciding factor. Mhambrey proposes that proven performers like Avesh and Khaleel, should they exhibit standout form, could seamlessly slot into the third or fourth seamer roles. He cites the example of Akash Deep’s unexpected call-up for the England series, indicating that immediate performance in the Duleep Trophy could translate into Test caps.
Overall, the Duleep Trophy will be an essential stage for India’s pace attack to refine their skills, showcase their readiness for international cricket, and solidify their positions in the upcoming Test matches. The combination of strategic foresight and on-ground performance will be critical as India embarks on this rigorous red-ball journey.