Ishan Kishan withdraws from Duleep Trophy opener, paves way for Sanju Samson: Reports

With less than 24 hours remaining for the first round of Duleep Trophy matches, it has been reported that India D batter Ishan Kishan has decided to withdraw from the opening round of the tournament. The exact reason for this sudden decision is not confirmed, but it is speculated that Ishan may have sustained a hamstring injury. While the BCCI has not made any official announcement regarding his absence, it is highly likely that Ishan will miss the initial matches. India D, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, is scheduled to face India C, captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, in Anantapur starting on Thursday. With Ishan's participation in doubt, reports suggest that Sanju Samson, who was not initially selected in any of the squads, may be called upon to replace him.

Ishan was expected to be one of the most sought-after players participating in the Duleep Trophy. Plenty of eyeballs were on him as the rejigged format offers an opportunity for players to make a push for themselves in India's Test squad for the series against Bangladesh, which is expected to be announced next week.

After being stripped off the BCCI's Central Contracts list on disciplinary ground, Ishan turned up to play for Jharkhand in the Buchi Babu tournament. Although recognised as a premier red-ball competition, Ishan's recent setback is spanner in the works as the 26-year-old was eyeing a move back up in Team India's scheme of things by participating in the Duleep Trophy. Whether he will be ready for the next two matches is unknown at the moment, but if he doesn't, his Team India comeback could get delayed by another couple of months if not more.

In other news, Prasidh Krishna's tryst with injury seems to be never-ending as the India quick is yet to recover from his rehab at the NCA. Prasidh, who last played for India in South Africa at the start of the year, has been out of action due to a quadriceps injury. However, he stands a better chance than Ishan to play the remaining two matches.

Ishan and Prasidh's respective conditions add to a growing list of India's injury concerns in the tournament. Last week, Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik were taken off due to illness, whereas Ravindra Jadeja was mysteriously released. And just two days ago, Suryakumar Yadav, who was eyeing a place back in India's Test squad, was ruled out of the first-round match due to a finger injury he sustained while fielding for Mumbai during the Buchi Babu tournament.

Yet, the pullouts have not dampened the star power that will be in action from September 5 as the likes of Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal begin preparations for India's long Test season ahead.