Will Team India Release SL vs IND 2nd Test Reserve Players for Duleep Trophy?

The second Test match between Sri Lanka and India will be played from August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo. India's playing 11 for the match is not likely to see many changes after the win in the first Test at Galle.

Some of the players in the India squad for Sri Lanka tour are also a part of the Duleep Trophy, which is beginning on the same date. This raises questions whether these players will play the opening match of Duleep Trophy if they are not a part of the playing 11 for the SL vs IND 2nd Test

Will India Release Reserve Players For Duleep Trophy?

According to RevSportz, the Indian cricket team won't release the 2nd Test reserve players for the opening match of Duleep Trophy. A no. of players like Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi have been named in the North Zone squad and could have played had they not been in India squad for Sri Lanka series.

Both of them didn't play the first match are likely to be India reserve players for SL vs IND 2nd Test as the frontline quicks, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, are fit and raring to go once again.

However, the Indian team management has decided that they won't release the players for Duleep Trophy even if they are not a part of the playing 11 for the second Test. The management believes that it wants to have options in front of them if there is a requirement for a concussion substitute.

Earlier, middle order batter Sarfaraz Khan was also picked in the West Zone squad for Duleep Trophy. However, he was replaced by Saurashtra's Jay Gohil after receiving a call-up for India's tour of Sri Lanka to replace Sai Sudharsan.

India Test Players in Duleep Trophy 2026 To Be Available For Next Round

While these players won't be a part of the opening match of Duleep Trophy, they are likely to be available for the next round of matches. The inclusion of Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi will give a huge boost to the North Zone squad. Both of them are amongst the best bowlers in India and have worked hard to reach the elite level.

Releasing the reserve players can always be tricky, especially in the hot and humid of Sri Lanka's right now. Both Gurnoor and Auqib are quality fast bowlers. While Nabi relies on his accuracy and swing, Brar's abilitty to bowl at high speeds make him a special talent. He is currently one of the fastest bowlers in India and has already impressed in the white-ball formats.