Duleep Trophy 2025: 3 forgotten cricketers who can make comeback

The Duleep Trophy 2025 is set to kick off India’s domestic season from August 28 to September 15 in Bengaluru, returning to its traditional zonal format. With the BCCI making domestic cricket a priority for national selection, many top Indian stars are expected to feature in this red-ball tournament.

The knockout competition will see North, East, Central, and North East Zone facing in the quarterfinals, while South and West Zone, the 2023 finalists, join directly in the semifinals. Notably, several forgotten names who once wore the India jersey are now eyeing a comeback. For them, the Duleep Trophy is the perfect platform to get back to the national squad.

Here are the three forgotten cricketers who can make comeback with their Duleep Trophy performances:

3. Mukesh Kumar:

Mukesh Kumar made his international debut against the West Indies in 2023 and was seen as a regular feature in India’s Test side after his all-format debut in the same year. However, the pacer has slipped down the pecking order. Having represented India A, the right-arm pacer is now eyeing the Duleep Trophy as a platform to get back into the national team.

The 30-year-old will turn out for East Zone, where he will share the new ball with Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep. He can swing the ball and bowl at consistent lengths, making him a big threat. So far, he has played three Tests, six ODIs, and 17 T20Is, picking seven, five, and 20 wickets.