Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli on cards as star duo likely to play this domestic tournament after long absence: Report

India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma along with Virat Kohli are likely to play in the upcoming Duleep Trophy after a long time. Rohit's last appearance in Ranji Trophy was in 2015 whereas Kohli played in 2012. However, Rohit featured in a First-Class game for Mumbai against New Zealanders in 2016 and then played in Duleep Trophy’s 2016-17 edition. 

As per a report by Indian Express, the format of Duleep Trophy is likely to be changed. The squads will be picked by the senior selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. The squads won’t be based on zones but A, B, C and D. A total of six matches will be played in the tournament from September 5 to 24. Players from the senior side are likely to feature in the earlier rounds of the tournament.
 

Apart from Rohit and Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav have been asked to play in Duleep Trophy as well. However, Jasprit Bumrah will not feature in the tournament as he has a taxing season ahead of him. The report even states that Bumrah may be rested for the two-Test Bangladesh series next month as well considering spin-friendly tracks and Mohammed Shami's probable return.

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Change in venue

The venues of the Duleep Trophy are likely to be changed as well. The M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru is considered as the venue to accommodate travel by air for star players. Earlier, it was scheduled to be played in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. 

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In addition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning a camp in Chennai ahead of the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting September 19. 
 

Kishan’s chance to prove himself

Ishan Kishan who was dropped from the list of centrally contracted players alongside Shreyas Iyer is likely to get picked for the tournament too. His comeback to international cricket will depend on how he performs in red-ball cricket. 
 

Meanwhile, it seems like out-of-favour Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane won't feature in Duleep Trophy as the selectors have moved on from them.
 

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