Duleep Trophy: Key Players Absent as Quarterfinals Begin

Bengaluru, Aug 28 (PTI) – The opening matches of the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals have started with notable absences affecting both Central and East Zone teams. Central Zone's captain, Dhruv Jurel, and East Zone's leader, Abhimanyu Easwaran, are sidelined due to health issues. Jurel is recovering from a fever, while Easwaran's participation was hampered by a groin niggle.

The East Zone team faces a formidable North Zone squad at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The absence of Easwaran is a significant disadvantage, compounded by the unavailability of pacer Akash Deep and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. In Easwaran's place, Assam's all-rounder, Riyan Parag, has taken over the captaincy duties for East Zone.

PTI has learned that Jurel, who is on standby for India's Asia Cup squad, suffered a groin issue before the match. Although he reported for duty, he was advised not to participate. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to an IPL title earlier this year, assumes leadership for Central Zone against NorthEast Zone. Patidar initially served as the vice-captain.

In related news, North Zone is without its designated captain Shubman Gill, who is recovering from a fever. Haryana’s Ankit Kumar, previously the vice-captain, is now leading the North Zone team. Shubham Goel has been brought in as Gill's replacement.

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