Duleep Trophy 2024: Five Indian Test Cricketers Who May Never Wear The Whites Again

As the Duleep Trophy 2024 sets the stage for India's domestic cricket season from September 5 to September 22, the competition takes on a new format this year. Four teams—India A, India B, India C, and India D—will compete in a round-robin format without knockout stages.

While many young talents are eager to grab the selectors' attention, the exclusion of some seasoned cricketers from the Duleep Trophy squads could signal the end of their Test careers. Here are five Indian players who may not feature in the national Test team again.

1. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara, a mainstay in India's Test batting lineup for over a decade, appears to be nearing the end of his international career. The 36-year-old last played for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final but has since been overlooked for the national squad.

Despite scoring prolifically for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy and Sussex in the County Championship, Pujara's omission from the Duleep Trophy squads suggests the selectors are looking beyond him. With a wealth of young middle-order talent waiting in the wings, Pujara's future in India's Test squad looks increasingly uncertain.

2. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane, another veteran batter, seems to face a similar fate. Having last represented India in the Test series against the West Indies in 2023, Rahane has been out of the national setup since.

While he captained Mumbai to a Ranji Trophy title and participated in the IPL 2024, Rahane's absence from the Duleep Trophy teams is a strong indicator that his Test career may be over. At 36, Rahane's opportunities for a comeback are dwindling as India eyes younger options for the middle order.

3. Hanuma Vihari

Known for his resilient innings at the Gabba in 2021, Hanuma Vihari's Test career has been marked by inconsistency and limited opportunities. The 30-year-old last played for India in England in 2022 and hasn't been part of the Test side since.

While Vihari remains a regular for Andhra in domestic cricket, his performances have not been convincing enough to earn a recall to the national squad. His exclusion from the Duleep Trophy squads suggests that the selectors are looking elsewhere for middle-order options.

4. Umesh Yadav

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav, who last played for India in the WTC final in 2023, finds himself out of favor amid a crowded field of emerging young pacers.

At 36, Umesh returned to domestic cricket with Vidarbha but has been omitted from the Duleep Trophy squads. With several promising fast bowlers coming through the ranks, it seems unlikely that Umesh will find his way back into the national setup.

5. Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat's Test career has been a tale of missed opportunities and prolonged waits. After making his Test debut in 2010, the left-arm pacer had to wait 12 years for his second Test appearance, playing three more games in 2022 before being dropped again.

Despite his consistent performances for Saurashtra in domestic cricket, Unadkat's exclusion from the Duleep Trophy squads suggests that the selectors have moved on. At 32, his chances of a Test recall appear slim.

The Duleep Trophy 2024 serves as a crucial platform for Indian cricketers aspiring to make or return to the national Test team. For these five players, however, the lack of selection could well be the final chapter in their Test careers. As Indian cricket looks forward to a new era, the sun may be setting on these seasoned campaigners.