Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 19, 2025, 07:00 AM
Champions Trophy: After a long wait and speculation, the Indian cricket team has finally been announced for the Champions Trophy. The delay in the team selection process itself indicated that the selectors had many tough decisions to make. A list of 15 players was revealed in this press conference held in Mumbai. Although there was no major surprise in the selection, the decision to not select fast bowler Mohammed Siraj caught attention.Big names included in the selection, some questions also remainMost of the players who were part of the World Cup 2023 have been retained in the team. Kuldeep Yadav was included in the team after recovering from injury, while the return of Jasprit Bumrah has strengthened the bowling attack. However, his fitness is still not completely clear, due to which there is confusion over the fast bowling combination of the team.Possible form of playing XIOpening pair and batting order almost decidedThe opening pair of captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill is certain. A talented youngster like Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to wait for his chance. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer's place is also confirmed. All-rounder Hardik Pandya is ready to play his role at number six.Wicketkeeper: Rahul or Pant?The biggest question in Team India's playing XI is about the role of wicketkeeper. There is a tough competition between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Rahul's past performance is in his favor, but Pant can give balance to the team as a left-handed batsman. Including Pant for variety in the batting order can be an option, but left-handed all-rounders like Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja can fill this gap.Bowling combination: Increased role of spinnersConsidering the slow pitches of Dubai, 4 spinners have been selected in the team. However, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar may get preference over Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI. Kuldeep Yadav's place is also almost certain. In the fast bowling department, there will be a selection between Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. If Bumrah is fully fit, Arshdeep may get preference due to his left-arm bowling option.Team India's probable playing 11Rohit Sharma (captain)Shubman Gill (vice-captain)Virat KohliShreyas IyerKL Rahul (wicketkeeper)Hardik PandyaAxar PatelWashington SundarKuldeep YadavArshdeep SinghJasprit Bumrah/Mohammed ShamiEyes on the first matchAll eyes will be on Team India's performance in the first match against Bangladesh on February 20. An attempt has been made to maintain balance in the team selection, but Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and the wicketkeeper's position can be decisive.