The 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy is set to enter its knockout phase, commencing on January 9 in Vadodara, with several notable players expected to represent their teams. Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna, and Abhimanyu Easwaran are among those who will be participating in crucial fixtures as their squads vie for advancement in the tournament. KL Rahul has publicly sought a break from competitive play, while Washington Sundar's potential return will hinge on Tamil Nadu's progression to the semi-finals.
Padikkal and Prasidh are scheduled to depart from Sydney with a significant portion of the Indian contingent. In contrast, Abhimanyu has secured permission to travel one day earlier, facilitated by the Cricket Association of Bengal. His revised travel plans involve a stopover in Singapore and Ahmedabad, allowing him to reunite with the Bengal squad in Vadodara. On Wednesday, he is slated to participate in training with his teammates in anticipation of their pre-quarter-final matchup against Haryana. Unfortunately, Akash Deep, another Bengal player included in the Indian squad, has been ruled out due to a back injury that prevented him from playing in the final Test against Australia. He will instead focus on recovery at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Both Prasidh and Padikkal are expected to link up with the Karnataka squad by January 10, leading up to their quarter-final clash against Baroda on January 11. Padikkal transitioned from being a part of the India A squad on a shadow tour preceding the Border-Gavaskar series, to earning a place in the Test lineup. His inclusion followed Rohit Sharma's delayed arrival due to personal commitments. He made a notable contribution in India's emphatic 295-run victory in Perth, although he was not selected for subsequent Test matches.
Prasidh Krishna, meanwhile, made his return to the Test arena during the final match in Sydney. He marked his comeback impressively, capturing six wickets across the match, including the notable dismissals of Steven Smith in both innings. Both players demonstrated significant skill during the four-day fixtures that preceded the Test series, enhancing their reputations within the team.
For Abhimanyu Easwaran, the upcoming match against Haryana represents an essential milestone as it will be his first official game in two months. He observed the entire five-Test series in Australia from the sidelines, where he was initially a contender for a backup opening position, which could have seen him make his Test debut in Perth. However, his lack of notable performance, with scores reading 7, 12, 0, and 17 in four innings for India A during the tour, presented obstacles to his aspirations.
Despite the recent setbacks, prior to embarking on the India A tour, Abhimanyu had been in spectacular form, notching up four first-class centuries across the season in both the Duleep Trophy and the Ranji Trophy. His prolific scoring ability marked him as a player to watch in the domestic circuit.
Following India’s recent 3-1 series defeat in Australia, which also resulted in surrendering the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the need for Test players to engage actively in domestic cricket. His advocacy stems from a belief that the development of cricketing talents hinges on their involvement in these competitions, thereby enhancing the depth and quality of player development.
Gautam Gambhir's perspective underscores the significance of domestic cricket as a vital platform for player growth and the cultivation of future stars. His statements advocate for a committed approach where players prioritize participation in domestic formats, thereby reinforcing the foundation of the sport in the country.
The departure of these players for the Vijay Hazare Trophy not only highlights their individual journeys but also reflects the larger narrative of Indian cricket's rich tapestry, woven with talent, competition, and a continuous pursuit of excellence. With the tournament now underway, fans will be keenly watching as these players demonstrate their skills and aim for success in the knockout rounds. The stakes are high, and the pressure will be significant as they seek to contribute to their teams and potentially reclaim their positions at the forefront of Indian cricket.