While eyes of the world were on the opening day of play in the first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai; not far away from the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Anantapur, the third and final round of Duleep Trophy 2024 matches kicked off with India D taking on India B and India C facing India A, with the first match being in highlight as some big names like Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakaumar Yadav, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Arshdeep Singh are in action at the Rural Development Trust Stadium B.
After Abhimanyu Easwaran won the toss and chose to bowl first, India D were given a brilliant start as the two Indian Test capped players opened the batting in the form of Devdutt Padikkal and KS Bharat and put up a 105-run partnership. However, they lost four wickets in the next 69 runs and found themselves in a spot of bother at 175-4 when Samson walked out to bat.
Shreyas Iyer Disappoints
It was less than a year ago that Shreyas Iyer was seen as a mainstay in the Indian team and seen as a long-term replacement of Ajinkya Rahane at number five. However, he lost his place in the side mid-way during the England series and also his BCCI central contract.
Related News | 
From IPL To Duleep Trophy, Shreyas Iyer's Captaincy Takes A Negative Turn; India D Lose Second Match On Trot
Sanju Samson Sends Reminder To Selectors With 'T20 Shots' Before Team Selection For Bangladesh T20Is – Watch
After being named captain of the India D team, the IPL 2024-winning captain had a golden chance to regain his place in the side ahead of a busy Test summer where India are set to play 10 Test matches in the next four months. However, Iyer had another miserable outing with the bat on Thursday as he was dismissed for a five-ball duck by Rahul Chahar.
This was Iyer's second duck in three matches. So far, he has just 104 runs to his name in five innings at an average of 20.8 which has all but ensured a Test comeback is not happening any time soon for him.
Sanju Samson Takes The Spotlight
Related News | 
Duleep Trophy 2024: Shreyas Iyer Comes Out To Bat Donning Sunglasses; Gets Out For Duck- WATCH
Walking out to bat after Iyer's dismissal, Sanju Samson made a strong impression with a brilliant counterattack. At stumps on Day 1, the 29-year-old is unbeaten at 89, having played just 83 balls with 10 boundaries and three sixes to his name. The 2024 T20 World Cup-winner will walk out to bat on Day 2 in hope of making the 11th first-class century of his career.
Meanwhile, India D are 306-5 overnight, with Padikkal, Bharat, and Ricky Bhui also making half-centuries.
Will Sanju Samson Be Named In India's Squad vs Bangladesh?
Samson is far away from a call-up in Test cricket and the fact that he was not in initial squads and only named after an injury to Ishan Kishan was evidence of the same. However, Samson was part of the Indian T20I squad to face Sri Lanka which was their last assigntment.
However, the Rajathan Royals (RR) skipper made two ducks in two innings and that has put his selection in doubt. The Suryakumar-led outfit is expected to be announced alongside the squad for the second Test following the culmination of the ongoing series opener.
The first T20I will take place on October 6 in Gwalior before the teams move to Delhi and Hyderabad for the second and third matches.