The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has announced its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan and the UAE, including pacers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. The team will be led by Rohit Sharma, with Shubman Gill as his deputy.
On Saturday, January 18, Gautam Gambhir unveiled the Champions Trophy squad.
Shami last played in the 50-over format for India during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He had since been sidelined due to ankle and knee injuries. Before the Champions Trophy, India will play a home series against England, where Shami is set to make his international return after over a year.
Bumrah, who suffered a back injury during the last Test of the Australia series, faced uncertainty about his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad. However, as he has time to regain full fitness before the tournament, he has been included in the team.
Meanwhile, pacer Mohammed Siraj has not been selected. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been given a spot in the squad, following his impressive performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he claimed 20 wickets in seven matches.
India has included three spinners and one pace-bowling all-rounder in the squad. The spin department consists of Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, while Hardik Pandya is the pace-bowling all-rounder.
India’s batting lineup features Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal has been included in the ODI squad for the first time.
For wicketkeeping duties, both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have been included.
Before the Champions Trophy, India will play a three-match ODI series against England at home. The team will play the English series with the Champions Trophy squad. Bumrah will miss the first two matches, with pacer Harshit Rana joining the squad in his place.
The ODI matches against England will take place on February 6, 9, and 12. Additionally, India will play a five-match T20I series against England starting January 22.
In the Champions Trophy, beginning on February 19, India is placed in Group A alongside hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. India will face Bangladesh in their opening match of Group A on February 20.
Indian Squad:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja.
