National selectors find new pace option for upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The prestigious Duleep Trophy 2024 came to an end on Sunday with India A clinching the domestic red-ball title. After this tournament, experts and selectors have been wondering about India's Test cricket future.

In recent years, India's Test team has found huge success, especially on home soil. However, with upcoming tours, including the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the need for fresh talent and backup options has never been more clear.

One of the key take away's from this year's Duleep Trophy has been the upcoming new pace bowling options. Arshdeep Singh, in particular, delivered a career-best performance of 9 for 40 in the final round. 

Apart from Arshdeep Singh, it was Khaleel Ahmed who caught the selectors' attention with his consistent performances in the earlier rounds. The competition between these two left-arm pacers has given the national selectors a chance to address the long-standing issue of India's fast-bowling arsenal.

The former Australian skipper Ian Chapell highlighted the requirement for a left-arm pacer in the Indian Test squad to retain their Border Gavaskar Trophy. “It would be ideal if the mercurial Mohammed Shami is fit for Australia but the presence of a good left-arm paceman would also improve India's variety in attack," Ian Chapell as quoted by Hindustan Times. 

Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2024, Match 6 Day 4 Review: India A vs India C Highlights, Player Performances, and Stats

Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav had poor Duleep Trophy 2024

Established stars Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, both eyeing a return to Test cricket, had forgettable outings. Iyer's scored 154 runs in six innings, including two ducks. Meanwhile, Suryakumar had disappointing scores of 5 and 16, despite a solid first-class record.

In contrast, Sanju Samson used this opportunity with both hands, scoring a brilliant century followed by a quick-fire 45. Samson's performance puts him in contention in the red-ball format for the wicketkeeper-batter slot, with Ishan Kishan also in the mix after his century in the second round.