Internet Desk: The BCCI on Sunday confirmed about team India’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions trophy. While the BCCI is to reveal the 15-man squad tomorrow let’s have a look at xtratime.in’s probable squad.
1. Rohit Sharma (Opener)
Rohit Sharma who failed to score in the initial matches of this season’s IPL after being back from a long injury found his form back when he played a match winning knock against Bangalore at Wankhede.
Rohit aka ‘’The Hitman” is the only batsman in the world to score two double centuries in ODI’s. He currently holds the highest score in ODI’s after scoring a massive 264 against Sri Lanka at the Eden gardens in Kolkata.
2. Ajinkya Rahane (Opener)
Rahane is one the most talented batsman of India in current times. Though he has been at a poor form in this IPL but KL Rahul’s injury has paved way for the vice captain of the test side to be included in the squad. It will be interesting to see whether the Mumbai batsman gets a chance to play in the upcoming trophy.
3. Shikhar Dhawan (Reserve Opener)
Four years ago this left handed opener was the man who made India win the Champions trophy final at England. The Delhi batsman is gifted with some exquisite timing with brilliant hand-eye coordination has been terrific form in this IPL after scoring 388 runs in 11 matches. The Indian selectors would surely select this deadly opener alongside Rohit Sharma.
4. Virat Kohli (Captain)
The captain of the Indian side is going through a terrible form in the IPL but the question arises whether the Delhi batsman can guide his team to win the trophy for a record third time. No questions are to be raised about his inclusion in team but millions of fans will pray to see the sensation of the team scoring big runs.
5. Manish Pandey (Batsman)
This player from Karnataka has been in sublime form in the ongoing IPL after scoring 341 runs from 12 games which includes two fifties with a highest of 81. The inclusion of this middle order batsman in the team can increase the team’s batting fire power.
6. Yuvraj Singh (All-Rounder)
The pride of Punjab is one sensations of the team. He was adjudged the hero on India’s World Cup triumphs’ in World T20 in 2007 and in 2011. The player of big games fixed his spot in the team after scoring 150 in his last ODI. Apart from his rampage batting he is also a brilliant spinner and can be instrumental in picking important wickets which he has done so often in the past.
7. Kedar Jadhav (Batsman)
A primary batsman who also is part time spinner can be an asset for the team. Jadhav who plays for a Pune in the IPL has been silent till now but a blasting innings can be expected from him anytime.
8. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Wicketkeeper/Batsman)
The former captain of India upon whose leadership India has won two World Cups will be an automatic selection in the squad. The Best finisher could play his farewell tournament his year. MSD whose extreme calmness under tremendous pressure earned him the title of “Captain Cool” is probably the best wicketkeeper in the world for his unbelievable reflexes.
9. Hardik Pandya (All-Rounder)
Hardik’s all-round ability will help India in England conditions and recently he is bowling with more pace too. His swiftness in the field and power-hitting with the bat in the lower order will be a big boost the Men in Blue.
10. Ravindra Jadeja (All-Rounder)
Jadeja bowled brilliantly in the test series against Australia. He should be an automatic choice for the selectors for his all-round ability with bat, ball and fielding.
11. R Ashwin (All-Rounder)
Ashwin is India’s ace off-spinner in all three formats of the game. The boy from Tamil Nadu missed the IPL season 10 due to an injury and India’s chances to win the upcoming Champions Trophy will be depending on him a lot.
12. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Pacer)
Bhuvi is currently holding the purple cap with taking most wickets in IPL season 10. His swing bowling will be more handy in England conditions. Bhuvaneshwar can be expected to spearhead Indian bowling in the upcoming eight-nation tournament.
13. Jasprit Bumrah (Pacer)
Bumrah has been regarded as one of the best bowlers in the death overs. His brilliant bowling in the ‘Super Over’ against Gujarat Lions was praised by Lasith Mainga too. After Kohli, Bumrah will be India’s biggest bet to defend their title in England.
14. Umesh Yadav (Pacer)
Umesh was the most successful bowler for India during the marathon home season. He can swing the ball with express pace in the windy conditions in England.
15. Mohammed Shami (Pacer)
Former India skipper and CAB president has picked him as an automatic choice for the Champions Trophy. Returning back from a long term injury, Shami bowled brilliantly to hand Delhi a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Though he didn’t get any wicket against Gujarat Lions few days back, but the fast bowler is expected to get a chance in the squad.