As the excitement for the Duleep Trophy 2024, starting on September 5, builds, there's growing anticipation about the potential inclusion of two of India's cricketing giants, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While neither player has confirmed their participation, the BCCI’s selection committee is reportedly encouraging all regulars to make themselves available for this prestigious domestic tournament.

If Kohli and Sharma do take part, it will be fascinating to see them rekindle their past rivalry in the Duleep Trophy. Let's take a look back at their previous encounters in the tournament and explore the insights gleaned from their past performances.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma's most recent appearance in the Duleep Trophy came in 2016 when he played for India Blue against India Red. Batting at No. 4 in the first innings, Sharma scored 30 runs off 57 balls. In the second innings, he contributed an unbeaten 32 runs from 75 balls. Under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir, India Blue secured a commanding victory by 355 runs, largely due to a stellar performance from Cheteshwar Pujara.

Rohit’s involvement in the Duleep Trophy before 2016 includes his appearance for the West Zone in the 2009/10 season, where he scored a fifty and a century against North Zone. He was also part of the West Zone squad in the 2010/11 season but did not play any matches.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s last appearance in the Duleep Trophy was in the 2009/10 season. At that time, he was the captain of North Zone. Kohli scored a fifty against West Zone in a match where he led from the front. His last recorded participation before this was in the 2008/9 season, where he was named in the North Zone squad but did not get a chance to bat.

Kohli’s early career in the Duleep Trophy saw him lead North Zone to a semifinal match against West Zone, where he played a crucial role.

Face-Off: 2009/10 Semifinal

The only prior matchup between Kohli and Sharma in the Duleep Trophy occurred during the 2009/10 semifinal, when North Zone faced West Zone in Rajkot.

Rohit Sharma: Batting for West Zone, Sharma scored a solid 93-ball 63 in the first innings. In the second innings, he played a spectacular knock of 116 off 129, forming a 172-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara. His performances helped West Zone accumulate 345 for seven in their second innings.

Virat Kohli: Leading North Zone, Kohli scored a run-a-ball 56 in their first innings. Despite his efforts, North Zone could only manage 294 runs, trailing significantly. The match ended in a draw, but the individual performances of Sharma and Kohli highlighted their respective skills and contributions.

If Kohli and Sharma decide to participate in the 2024 Duleep Trophy, their performances could offer crucial preparation ahead of international fixtures. Their experience and skill will be invaluable for their respective teams and could set the tone for their upcoming national duties.

As we await confirmation of their participation, the potential clash between Kohli and Sharma in the 2024 Duleep Trophy promises to be a significant highlight. Their past performances provide a glimpse into their capabilities, and their presence would undoubtedly elevate the tournament's competitive edge.