Duleep Trophy 2024: A look at the standout performers

Abhimanyu Easwaran (Pic: AFP)

The latest edition of the Duleep Trophy has concluded, with India A claiming victory over India C by 132 runs to secure their second title.

The tournament showcased outstanding performances from both emerging talents and established stars alike.

A stellar century by Shashwat Rawat, combined with impressive bowling displays from Tanush Kotian and Prasidh Krishna, propelled India A to their first Duleep Trophy title with a commanding win in Anantapur on Sunday.

Shashwat's century (124 runs) was instrumental in lifting India A to 297 in their first innings after they found themselves struggling at 36/5.

Avesh Khan and Aaqib Khan each took three wickets, establishing a 63-run lead, despite Abhishek Porel's resilient 82 for India C. India A then solidified their dominance with half-centuries from Riyan Parag (73) and Shashwat (53), declaring at 286/8.

India C, chasing a target of 350, faltered despite a century from Sai Sudarshan (111), ultimately being bowled out for just 217 runs due to the effective bowling of Prasidh Krishna and Tanush Kotian.

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Star performers from Duleep Trophy 2024

Top run-scorers

• Ricky Bhui (India D): The Andhra Pradesh batter excelled in three matches, amassing 359 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 71.80, including two centuries and a fifty, with a top score of 119' in the third round.
• Abhimanyu Easwaran (India B): The veteran from Bengal rebounded strongly after a slow start, scoring 309 runs in three matches and five innings at an average of 77.25, highlighted by two centuries and a best score of 157'.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad (India C): Despite leading India C, the skipper fell short of securing the title. He scored 232 runs in six innings across three matches, averaging 38.66, with two fifties and a highest score of 62.
• Sai Sudarshan (India C): The elegant left-hander from Tamil Nadu displayed flashes of brilliance, culminating in a courageous century during a challenging chase. In three matches and six innings, he totaled 211 runs at an average of 35.16, with a best score of 111.

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Top wicket-takers

• Anshul Kambhoj (India C): The all-rounder from Haryana was the leading wicket-taker and named 'Player of the Tournament,' claiming 16 wickets in three matches at an average of 17.12, with remarkable figures of 8/69 against a formidable India B lineup.
• Mukesh Kumar (India B): This recent addition to the national squad made his mark with 15 wickets at an average of 28.60, achieving best figures of 4/98.
• Navdeep Saini (India B): The experienced quick, who has represented India in 21 international matches, captured 14 wickets at an average of 25.42, with his best performance being 5/74.
• Arshdeep Singh (India D): The left-arm pacer, a regular in T20Is and an emerging ODI talent, showcased his potential for Test cricket with 13 wickets in three matches at an average of 21.00, including best figures of 6/40 against India B.

In the final Duleep Trophy 2024 standings, India A topped the table with two wins, one loss, and 12 points. India C finished second with a win, a loss, and a draw, totaling nine points. India B secured third place with a win, a loss, and a draw, garnering seven points, while India D rounded out the standings with a win and two draws for just six points.

(With agency inputs)