Rishabh Pant Set for Duleep Trophy Comeback, Shami Nears Full Fitness

Pant’s Comeback and Shami’s Rehabilitation

Rishabh Pant is poised to make his return to red-ball cricket through the Duleep Trophy, which will kick off India’s 2024-25 domestic season on September 5. This marks the first time Pant will participate in first-class cricket since his car accident in December 2022.

While Pant is set to make a comeback, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is not part of any of the four Duleep Trophy squads. However, Shami is nearing full fitness and has begun bowling at full tilt, with his sights set on a return during the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting September 19. The pacer is expected to continue his rehabilitation under the watchful eye of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Domestic Performers Rewarded

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the national selectors, led by Ajit Agarwal, have rewarded domestic performers, including the inclusion of 19-year-old Mumbai allrounder Musheer Khan. Musheer, who was part of India’s victorious U19 World Cup squad and Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph, will play alongside his brother and India batter Sarfaraz Khan, who is among the contenders for a spot in the Test middle order.

“The selection panel has rewarded domestic performers, including the inclusion of 19-year-old Mumbai allrounder Musheer Khan.”

Regaining Contracts and Comeback Bids

Notably, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had previously lost their central contracts for not prioritizing domestic cricket, have now regained their places in the Duleep Trophy squads. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who has been sidelined due to a quadriceps tendon injury, is also set to make his comeback after undergoing surgery in February.

The selection panel has also included Tilak Varma, who suffered a wrist injury towards the end of the IPL 2024 season, in the Duleep Trophy squads. Allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is recovering from a sports hernia surgery in June, has been included subject to fitness.

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