India's top-order batters Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran alongside pacer Prasidh Krishna will feature for their respective state teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 knockout fixtures starting January 9. While senior batter KL Rahul has requested for a break before limited-overs series against England, all-rounder Washington Sundar will play only if Tamil Nadu reach the semifinals.
As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, Easwaran did not travel with the majority of Indian squad from Sydney. Instead, he sought permission and took an earlier flight to join Bengal squad in Vadodra as they gear up to face Haryana in the preliminary quarter final clash on January 9. Easwaran did not play a single Test on the tour as Rahul was promoted as opener in Perth Test in captain Rohit Sharma's absence.
Akash Deep headed to NCA
Meanwhile, his Bengal teammate, pacer Akash Deep will not feature in the clash against Haryana due to a niggle which kept him out of the final Test of the series against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Deep will report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further assessment and rehabilitation.
When will Krishna Padikkal join Karnataka?
Krishna and Padikkal will join Karnataka squad ahead of their clash against Baroda on January 11. Padikkal was not in the original squad for Australia. He was playing for India A and was asked to stay back only after Shubman Gill injured his thumb while fielding in slips during an intra-squad game. On the other hand, Krishna made his appearance in the last Test of the series where he picked three wickets each in both innings.
Gambhir's call to play domestic cricket
After the series defeat in Australia, head coach Gautam Gambhir had stressed on the importance of playing domestic cricket whenever possible.
"I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given. Not only one game. If they are available and they have the commitment to play red ball cricket, everyone should play domestic cricket. As simple as it can get. If you don't give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players that you want," Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.