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The highly anticipated Duleep Trophy 2024, India’s prestigious domestic Test tournament, is set to commence on September 5. The tournament has garnered significant attention due to the participation of several star players from the Indian cricket team. As excitement builds, recent developments regarding player availability have added a new layer of intrigue.
Notable absences: Health issues sideline key players
Several marquee players, including Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik and Ravindra Jadeja, will miss the opening phase of the Duleep Trophy due to health concerns. Their absence is a significant setback for the tournament, as they were expected to bring intensity to the competition. In response, the BCCI has drafted Navdeep Saini to replace Siraj in Team B, and Gaurav Yadav will fill in for Umran in Team C, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Interesting facts about Gaurav Yadav:
Early life and introduction to Cricket
Birth and Early Aspirations: Gaurav Yadav was born on October 31, 1991, in Bisoni Kalan, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. Growing up in a rural setting with limited access to formal cricket training, Yadav’s passion for the sport was primarily driven by his admiration for Indian cricketers and their achievements on the international stage. His desire to become a fast bowler was further fueled by India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2007 under MS Dhoni‘s leadership.
Early Cricketing Journey: Yadav began his cricketing journey relatively late, at the age of 18. Initially playing cricket as a hobby, he quickly realized his potential and decided to pursue the sport more seriously. He caught the attention of Narendra Hirwani, a former Indian leg-spinner and the selection committee chairman at the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), during a local tennis ball cricket match. Hirwani recognized Yadav’s raw talent and recommended him for the Under-25 team, where Yadav made an immediate impact with a five-wicket haul.
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Domestic Career
First-Class Debut: Gaurav Yadav made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh on November 2, 2012, in the 2012–13 Ranji Trophy. This debut marked the beginning of a steady, albeit slow, rise in domestic cricket. Over the years, Yadav worked hard to establish himself as a reliable fast bowler in the domestic circuit.
Breakthrough in the Vijay Hazare Trophy: Yadav’s first major breakthrough came during the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He emerged as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming 23 dismissals in nine matches. This performance not only highlighted his capabilities as a fast bowler but also solidified his place in Madhya Pradesh’s bowling attack.
T20 Debut: On November 9, 2019, Yadav made his Twenty20 debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2019–20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His adaptability across formats became evident as he transitioned smoothly into the shorter format, showcasing his skills in T20 cricket.
Success in Ranji Trophy: Yadav’s performances in the Ranji Trophy further underscored his talent. His most notable season came in 2021-22 when he played a crucial role in Madhya Pradesh’s victorious campaign, finishing as the leading fast bowler with 23 wickets in five matches. This success was a testament to his hard work and determination over the years.
2023-24 Ranji Trophy Season: Yadav continued to impress in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, particularly with his career-best match figures of 10 for 98 in the opening match against Delhi. This performance was especially significant as it marked his first-class debut for Puducherry after moving from Madhya Pradesh. His contributions were pivotal in Puducherry’s upset victory, further establishing his reputation as a consistent performer in domestic cricket.
Move to Puducherry: After a decade with Madhya Pradesh, Yadav moved to Puducherry, recommended by his Madhya Pradesh teammate Venkatesh Iyer. This move proved beneficial as Yadav quickly became a key figure in Puducherry’s bowling lineup, forming strong working relationships with his new teammates and continuing his streak of impressive performances.
Recent developments and IPL opportunity
IPL Involvement In 2023, Yadav got his first taste of IPL cricket when he was selected as a net bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This opportunity, which had previously eluded him due to his focus on red-ball cricket, marked a new chapter in his career, allowing him to experience the high-intensity environment of the IPL.
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo earlier this year, he shared that during one of the first few net sessions, he managed to impress Virat Kohli. After the session, while sitting in a corner with the other net bowlers, Kohli approached him and offered encouraging words, which gave him a lot of confidence.
