Suryakumar Yadav has been declared fit and will participate in the final round of the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy, scheduled to commence this Thursday in Anantapur. He returns to the cricket field after a period of recuperation from a thumb injury that led to his earlier withdrawal from the tournament. The National Cricket Academy has given him the all-clear after he missed the previous rounds as a precaution, following an injury incurred during the Buchi Babu Invitational in Coimbatore. This injury had caused discomfort while gripping the bat, prompting his temporary exit from the squad.

Suryakumar will be replacing Sarfaraz Khan in the India B team, led by Abhimanyu Easwaran. Sarfaraz is set to join the Indian Test squad for their upcoming series against Bangladesh, which kicks off with a match in Chennai on the same Thursday. India B will face off against the Shreyas Iyer-led India D team in what promises to be a compelling contest.

Despite his role as India’s T20I captain and his absence from first-class cricket since last year’s Duleep Trophy, Suryakumar has expressed his eagerness to vie for a spot in India’s Test squad. His last appearance in a Test match was followed by injuries and the emergence of other talented players, but Suryakumar remains focused on regaining his place through performance in ongoing domestic competitions.

Looking ahead, Suryakumar is also scheduled to participate in the upcoming home T20Is against Bangladesh in October. This commitment might conflict with the beginning of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, starting October 11, possibly affecting his availability for the early matches.

As it stands, India B has performed impressively in the tournament, securing a strong position with an initial victory over a formidable India A team. They are currently second on the four-team table, and a win in their final match could potentially secure the championship title for them.

Suryakumar’s return to the Duleep Trophy not only strengthens India B’s lineup but also marks an important phase in his career, as he aims to make a significant impact in both domestic and international cricket fronts.