Revealed: Why Dhruv Jurel and Abhimanyu Easwaran are not playing the first round of Duleep Trophy 2025-26

Dhruv Jurel and Abhimanyu Easwaran were part of the Indian team for the recent five-match test series against England.

The Indian domestic cricket season started on Thursday (28th August) with Duleep Trophy 2025-26. The first round of the tournament is underway in Bengaluru with teams in action. 

However, some of the notable names are missing the first round of Duleep Trophy 2025-26. Two among them are Indian players in Dhruv Jurel and Abhimanyu Easwaran, who were part of the Indian team for the recent five-match test series against England. 

Despite that, they confirmed their availability for Duleep Trophy 2025-26. While Dhruv Jurel was appointed as the Central Zone captain, Abhimanyu Easwaran was all set to lead the East Zone side in the tournament. However, both of them missed the opening round. 

The reason behind them missing the opening round of Duleep Trophy 2025-26 has been revealed. As per the reports in The Times of India, it is learned that both batters weren’t fully fit and were deemed unfit to take part in the match. 

Dhruv Jurel missed the game due to a groin niggle

The reports claimed that Dhruv Jurel missed the game due to a groin niggle. The source claimed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that management didn’t want to risk him as there is an important cricket season coming up. 

“Jurel has picked up a groin niggle on the eve of the match and he has been asked to skip this match by the selectors. He is also in the standbys of the Asia Cup squad and the selectors don’t want to take any risk. 

“Right after the Asia Cup, India will be playing four Test matches at home and with uncertainty over (Rishabh) Pant’s injury, Jurel has been asked not to take any risk.” 

Abhimanyu Easwaran caught flu on the morning of the match

On the other hand, Abhimanyu Easwaran caught the flu on the morning of the match. He was named the skipper of the East Zone after Ishan Kishan was ruled out of the tournament. Easwaran would be gutted to miss the game, especially after how he has been on the bench for a while. 

Easwaran didn’t get a single game during the series against England, and team management faced a lot of criticism. He would be keen to make an impact in the domestic season and earn a test cap soon. 

In Jurel’s absence, Rajat Patidar is leading the Central Zone, while Riyan Parag is captaining the East Zone.

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