New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy and the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma revealed the team during a press conference in Mumbai on Saturday, January 18. Rohit Sharma will captain the team, with Shubman Gill serving as his vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the squad, pending fitness, as Agarkar named a 14-player roster for the ICC event, with Harshit Rana designated to replace India’s Test vice-captain for the series against England.
The remainder of the team remained consistent, with Yashasvi Jaiswal receiving his first ODI selection and Kuldeep Yadav, currently undergoing rehabilitation, also being part of the 15-member squad. The pace bowling lineup will feature Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Bumrah, while Mohammed Siraj has been notably left out.
Captain Rohit Sharma indicated that if Bumrah is unavailable, Arshdeep will take on the role with the new ball and during the death overs, partnering with Shami at the beginning, which may slightly reduce Mohammed Siraj’s impact. In terms of spin bowlers, both Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have been selected, although they may be competing for the same position, with Washington Sundar and Kuldeep also being considered as alternatives.
Harshit has not yet participated in white-ball cricket for India, having only made his Test debut in Australia. However, as he is included in the T20I series, the tall fast bowler from Delhi is expected to experience the shorter formats at the highest level, with the possibility of also playing in the ODIs.
The middle order will continue to feature KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer, with Rishabh Pant serving as the backup wicketkeeper. Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar will take on the all-rounder roles. The squad closely resembles that of the World Cup 2023 team, but it will be intriguing to see how the team accommodates players like Axar and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India’s 15-member squad for ICC Champions Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohemmed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
India’s squad for England ODIs: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav
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