With the ICC Champions Trophy just a month away, there is much speculation over India’s 15-member selection. According to a PTI report, experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would continue to be key members of India’s ODI batting team. The BCCI will also announce the squad for the high-profile event in a few days. Speculation has begun about the big-name players who may miss the team.
The number of players who are likely to make the Indian team from the last ODI World Cup 2023 is very slim. Three senior cricketers may face the axe. KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion in the squad may be challenged. After the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee meets this weekend to choose the squad. Rahul served as vice-captain for the 2023 ODI World Cup after Hardik Pandya was injured and ruled out.
The wicketkeeper-batter played an important role in the middle-order in the 50-over format for the Men in Blue. However, the Karnataka star only appeared in the lineup because of Rishabh Pant. The Southpaw was slated to be the first-choice wicketkeeper in the Champions Trophy. He was still recovering from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in December 2022. The selectors will have to discuss whether it makes sense to pick Rahul as a backup wicketkeeper.
Shocking Dismissal of India’s Trusted Veterans
According to the report, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have made a stronger case for being considered. They will be selected as spin all-rounders for the white-ball competition rather than a failing Ravindra Jadeja. The latter’s batting has not been as good as it once was. As for Shami, there hasn’t been enough clarity in communication between him and team management about his condition.
Despite the senior bowler returning to competitive action in October after being absent since the 2023 ODI World Cup with an ankle ailment. In the present Vijay Hazare Trophy, he took two wickets in eight overs in two matches and demonstrated his batting skills with an unbeaten 42 against Madhya Pradesh. His inclusion in the Indian Cricket squad will be dependent on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability, who is currently struggling with back spasms.
