With the Test series done and dusted and the men’s team not playing till the Asia Cup next month, Indian cricket has some time to regroup and figure out how to make the team better. For long, Indian cricket has been trying to maintain its status by sending teams to other full member countries, where those countries earn money from broadcasting and ticket sales. While the experienced players rest during these tours, others trying to secure their spots face another tour, even when they need a break.
After a good Test series against England, Shubman Gill could have taken a breather. Instead, the 25-year-old Indian captain is leading North Zone in the Duleep Trophy starting August 28 in Bengaluru. This is Gill’s first time captaining North Zone in this zonal tournament which is back to its usual format this year.
In his Sportstar column, Gavaskar praised the BCCI for choosing domestic cricket over an overseas white-ball tour this month and for Gill’s willingness to play again soon after a tough Test series. “The BCCI is putting domestic cricket first, so most top players will be able to play in the Duleep Trophy. Shubman Gill leading North Zone is a big plus for the event.”
Gavaskar also mentioned the example Gill is setting. “By playing in the event, the Indian captain is sending the right signal to his teammates. After a tiring tour with five Test matches in just over six weeks, it would have made sense if he had chosen to rest,” he added.
Gavaskar also approved of the decision to rest India’s fast bowlers after the grueling English summer. Not having the fast bowlers play is smart since England has had a hot summer and they must be tired after bowling so much in the series, he wrote.With the Asia Cup starting alongside the Duleep Trophy, the North Zone team may have to make last minute changes if Gill or others are called up for national team duty. But for now, his presence is a big boost to a tournament that has always been a testing ground for India’s domestic talent.
See Also:- Sarfaraz Khan Sends Strong Request to Mumbai Squad
Gill has captained in 10 First Class matches before but this is a different challenge: leading a zonal team in a knockout contest where every game matters. With Gavaskar’s approval, it’s clear that India’s captain is not just about the big stage; he’s willing to put in the hard work at home too.
North Zone will play the first game of the domestic season against East Zone starting August 28 in Bengaluru. The tournament has gone back to its traditional zonal format after a season where four teams were picked by the Ajit Agarkar-led senior men’s selection committee. This year, teams will be picked by zonal selection committees, with one member from each state side in the zone.
North Zone squad: Shubman Gill (capt), Shubham Khajuria, Ankit Kumar (vice-capt), Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, Ankit Kalsi, Nishant Sindhu, Sahil Lotra, Mayank Dagar, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (wk)
Replacements: Shubham Rohilla to replace Gill, Gurnoor Brar to replace Arshdeep, and Anuj Thakral to replace Harshit if they are needed for India commitments during the contest.
Stand-bys: Shubham Arora, Jaskaranvir Singh Paul, Ravi Chauhan, Abid Mushtaq, Nishunk Birla, Umar Nazir, Divesh Sharma
