The Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) have skipped the deadline for announcing the squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2017, as they are demanding ICC to take back their new revenue model, which reduces BCCI’s share of income significantly. Some media reports are even stating that BCCI might pull out of all ICC events till 2023. But, we are hopeful that the issue will soon be resolved and we will see Team India in ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
Here, Rohit Nair lists India’s best 15-man squad for the tournament.
Rohit Sharma: The Mumbai Indians man has been stellar in IPL post injury and will be looking to do full justice to the opening role. It would be Rohit’s international comeback post his surgery and he would be a big force for India at the top of the order.
Gautam Gambhir: The Delhi batsman has been leading KKR from the front in ongoing IPL 2017. After 10 matches, he is the second highest run-scorer in the tournament. Gambhir has been fighting hard at the domestic level and injury to KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan’s hot and cold form might put just be the luck he needs.
Virat Kohli: The Indian Captain will look to come out all guns blazing after a quiet few months with the bat. Kohli had a disappointing Test series against Australia, followed by average IPL with the bat. The captain aggressive would be raring to go in the middle and let his willow talk.
Yuvraj Singh – The swashbuckling all-rounder in good form in IPL 2017 and he will play a big role for India with his big bat at number 4 position.
MS Dhoni: MS Dhoni will look to bring all his experience to the tournament and hopefully help India win – this time as a keeper. Dhoni has played a couple of good innings in IPL 2017 and he has been outstanding with his gloves behind the stumps.
Kedhar Jadhav – The diminutive batsman will bank on his recent good form to help India score quick runs with the bat lower down the order. Jadhav was one of the finds for India in the ODI series against England earlier this year. This will probably be the biggest challenge of Jadhav’s career so far.
Ravindra Jadeja – One of India’s two best spinners, Jadeja will have a big role to play in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Jadeja will play a crucial role for India with both, bat and ball.
Ravichandran Ashwin – the other excellent spinner in the squad, Ashwin will make his comeback after missing IPL to rest. Ashwin has taken good rest and he would be raring to go out in the middle and perform outside India, in England.
Jasprit Bumrah – The pace bowler will be crucial for India to make early inroads in the tournament with his swing. Bumrah is a very skilful bowler and he has brilliant control on the ball. He is a versatile bowler who can take early wickets with the new ball and be might economical in death overs, by bowling perfect yorkers.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – A stellar IPL 2017 might just buoy Bhuvi to bring out his best for the tournament. At the time of writing this post, Bhuvneshwar is the leading wicket taker in IPL 2017 with a big margin.
Umesh Yadav – Yadav can swing the ball and his pace will be very important for the squad in the tournament. He is the most improved fast bowler for India in the last 12 months. Yadav will be India’s most aggressive option with the ball in ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
Substitutes:
Suresh Raina – A very popular Indian limited format player, Raina can be expected to make the squad at least.
Hardik Pandya – The all-rounder increases India’s options in the tournament and they can bank upon him when required.
Kuldeep Yadav – A decent back-up spinner will be required and Kuldeep Yadav can fit the role perfectly.
Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane too might have a point to prove having not been able to cement a spot in the ODI team.
