No KL Rahul, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma will play the Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone in Chennai. Kishan, the East Zone captain, confirmed the availability of a full-strength team on the eve of the summit clash, while South Zone captain Tilak Varma revealed that senior keeper-batter Rahul would miss the final.
There had been some uncertainty over the participation of Kishan, Vaibhav and Tilak, three players named in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series, beginning on August 13. Their availability for the Duleep Trophy final had been subject to approval from the Indian team management.
There had earlier been reports that their participation in the Duleep Trophy final would depend on approval from India head coach Gautam Gambhir. With the final set to start on September 6, East Zone and South Zone will now have several of their biggest names on the field, although Rahul’s absence means South Zone will be without one of their most experienced batters.
Both teams enter the final after dominant semi-final performances, setting up a contest between two sides that have looked the strongest in the tournament.
AGARKAR TO WATCH DULEEP FINAL
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar will also be in Chennai to watch the Duleep Trophy final.
Agarkar’s presence comes at an interesting time, with his future at the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) still uncertain. He was excused from the recent BCCI review meeting due to family commitments, but will now be in attendance for the domestic tournament’s summit clash.
Agarkar’s current contract runs until October 4. It remains to be seen whether BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia discusses the matter of his extension with him during his time in Chennai.
BCCI PLANS NET BOWLERS FOR ASIAN GAMES
Meanwhile, the BCCI is planning to take Mayank Yadav, Kartik Tyagi and left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan to Japan as net bowlers for the Indian men’s team at the Asian Games.
The move has been made following a specific request from India head coach VVS Laxman, with the BCCI looking to provide the team with additional bowling options during its preparations.
The trio will not be part of the official Indian contingent and are expected to stay only until India’s first men’s game on September 26.
“It has been a practice for the BCCI to carry net bowlers and the trio are proven T20 performers,” a source said.
“They are not part of the official Indian contingent and will only be there until the Indian men play their first game on September 26, provided the BCCI can arrange for their Japanese visas on time before the team departs from Delhi on September 20.”
The BCCI has applied for Japanese visas for the three fast bowlers as it works on finalising India’s support arrangements for the Asian Games.
– Ends
