In the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024, Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I captain, has made a notable return to red-ball cricket after missing the first two rounds due to a thumb injury. Yadav has been included in the India B playing eleven for their crucial final round match against India D in Anantapur. His inclusion comes as a replacement for Sarfaraz Khan, who is currently with the Indian Test team in Chennai, preparing for their first Test against Bangladesh.
Yadav's thumb injury, sustained while fielding in the pre-season Buchi Babu Invitational in Coimbatore, kept him sidelined for the initial rounds of the Duleep Trophy. This match marks his first red-ball appearance since the last Duleep Trophy, held in June-July of the previous year. At 34 years old, Yadav, who has played only one Test match for India in February 2023, is keenly eyeing a Test comeback.
In August, Yadav expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Test season, which features 10 matches in less than four months. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the selection process, stating, "There are many who have worked hard to earn their place, and I also want to earn my spot again. After my Test debut, I faced injuries, and others have seized their opportunities and performed well. They deserve their chance right now." Yadav's return is seen as a significant step in his bid to reestablish himself in the Test squad and contribute to India's future Test campaigns.
