The conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024 marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket, as Rohit Sharma and his team put an end to India's 11-year drought for an ICC title. Looking ahead, the team is now setting their sights on the 2025 Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final. These upcoming tournaments hold great importance for seasoned players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, who have retired from T20Is.
In preparation for these events, Rohit Sharma and his team are already in full gear. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously required players with aspirations of representing the national team to participate in domestic tournaments. This mandate aimed to ensure that players were in peak form and ready to compete at the highest level.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a significant step forward, as reported by the news agency PTI. However, there are three notable exceptions to this new development.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of star cricketers making themselves available for domestic engagements when not on national duty. Nevertheless, exceptions will be granted to exceptional players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
It is the BCCI's preference that all other Test specialists participate in at least one, if not multiple, Duleep Trophy games in August. This serves as a valuable preparation for the upcoming Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
"This time there is no zonal selection committee for Duleep Trophy. Only national selection committee will pick Duleep teams.
"All Test team contenders will be picked. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not," the source added.
The upcoming Test series will mark the first two series under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir.
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