The Duleep Trophy quarterfinals began in Bengaluru on Thursday with two major absentees — Central Zone skipper Dhruv Jurel and East Zone captain Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Jurel, who is also on the standby list for India’s Asia Cup squad, was forced to sit out due to a groin niggle. Easwaran, meanwhile, caught the flu on the morning of the match, leaving East Zone without their regular leader.
East Zone Face a Tough Challenge
Easwaran’s absence comes as a big blow for East Zone, already missing pacer Akash Deep and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. In his place, Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag has been entrusted with the captaincy as East Zone battle a strong North Zone side at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
BCCI’s Call on Jurel
According to PTI, Jurel had reported for the game but was advised against playing. With India set to host four home Test matches after the Asia Cup — and uncertainty still surrounding Rishabh Pant’s recovery — selectors were clear that no risks should be taken with Jurel’s fitness.
“He is among the standbys for the Asia Cup, and the selectors don’t want to take any risk,” a BCCI source told Times of India.
Changes in Other Teams
Over in the Central Zone camp, Rajat Patidar — who recently led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL title — has been appointed captain, having originally been vice-captain of the squad.
For North Zone, regular skipper Shubman Gill was ruled out after failing to recover from a fever. In his absence, Haryana batter Ankit Kumar is leading the side, with Shubham Goel drafted in as a replacement.
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