With the BCCI finally confirming India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, we can now look ahead and speculate as to who would make the final cut for the Indian team. India are the defending champions and will head into the tournament on the back of a really good home season. This will be Kohli’s first ever ICC tournament as a captain and all eyes will be on him to see how he fares in his role. So with everything being considered, here is India’s 15 man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.
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Batsmen – Top Order
Rohit Sharma ( Opener )
The Mumbai Indians captain has been a regular for India at the top of the order. His consistent performances have been a reliable source of runs over the years.
Though he was injured recently his return to form in the IPL will be good news for the selectors as they would have high hopes on Sharma.
Sharma played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy success in 2013 and he will be expected to play a big hand if India are to retain the trophy.
Ajinkya Rahane ( Opener )
Rahane remains an enigma to many people. While his Test record cannot be questioned his performances in the limited overs format has been a question mark for some time now.
In spite of being handed many opportunities, Rahane is yet to fully capitalize and has failed to nail down a spot for himself in the side.
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Given his poor form in the ongoing IPL season, Rahane would be fearing for his place in the side. But given the lack of alternate options, he should sneak into the side.
Shikhar Dhawan ( Opener )
The Delhi opener was the find of the Champions Trophy last time around. Dhawan was the named the Player of the tournament as his attacking batting gave the team a fantastic platform to build on.
His partnership with Sharma gave the team a solid foundation which also gave the middle order the chance to take their time and play their natural game.
Dhawan may have not recently featured prominently in the side, but his good performances in the IPL coupled with India’s lack of options means that he will get into the squad.
Batsmen – Middle Order
Virat Kohli ( Captain )
He may be the darling of Indian cricket but Virat Kohli’s form with the bat has been a worry for the past few weeks.
Even before he suffered a shoulder injury, his displays in the home series against Australia were not at all convincing. Ever since he returned to action with the RCB, his displays have worsened as his side’s struggles may have got to him.
But India will need their captain to be at his best if they are going to stand a chance at doing well in the tournament. He is the key for India in this Champions Trophy.
Yuvraj Singh
The return of Yuvraj Singh has been a wonderful story for Indian cricket. While this is not his first return to the side, there have signs that the Yuvi of old has come back to life.
In his previous comebacks, Yuvraj failed to impress when offered the opportunity though he did show glimpses of his enormous talent. But his latest return saw him carve out a sensational hundred against England which was easily one of the best knocks that anyone has seen in recent years.
He has had a mixed IPL with some poor performances mixed in with a couple of gems. But his ability and vast experience will be crucial as he makes it into the team.
Manish Pandey
This young buck looks to be finally getting his run in the side. After years of promise, Manish Pandey has finally started to perform well for the national side.
People still remember his match winning century against Australia, but he needs to perform more consistently to be a part of the starting eleven.
He makes the squad and will expect to feature at some point.
Wicket keepers
MS Dhoni
For the first time in ten years, the legendary Dhoni will be not heading into a tournament as captain of India.
His match winning ability with the bat remains as ever as he showed that when he scored a brilliant century in the home series against England.
The greatest wicket keeper batsman that India has ever produced as well as the best captain that India has ever seen, Dhoni’s inclusion is a no brainer.
Kedar Jadhav
Jadhav was the find of the recently concluded home series against England. He played a couple of brilliant knocks that made everyone sit up and notice his enormous talent.
Jadhav can also act as a second choice wicket keeper as he can handle the gloves in case of any injury to Dhoni.
His recent form and performances ensure that Jadhav will make it into the 15 man squad.
All rounders
Hardik Pandya
Dhoni had once said that it was important to give Hardik Pandya an extended run in the side as he will become a great asset to the team in the future. Once again, Dhoni was right.
Pandya has now become a regular face in the Indian side as his ability to bowl and bat has become an asset for the team.
His encouraging displays in the IPL will also give him more confidence heading into the tournament.
Ravindra Jadeja
The best ranked test bowler in the world will play a crucial role if India has to retain its Champions Trophy.
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Jadeja was one of the stars of the previous tournament and played a key role in India’s success. But he will need to step up his performances even more as India will expect him to be one of the leaders in the side.
He will be one to watch out for in tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin
India’s leading off spinner has developed into one of the best bowlers in the world.
But his injury will be an issue as the selectors would not want to take Ashwin if he is not fully fit for the tournament.
India will need a fully fit Ashwin to lead their bowling attack as his guile and craft will be necessary for the team.
Bowlers
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvi is currently the best fast bowler that India posses among its ranks. He is also the leading wicket keeper in the IPL this season and it does not look as if he could be caught.
He will be the spearhead of India’s attack as the conditions in England should suit him very well.
He needs to perform well for India.
Umesh Yadav
The pace battery known as Umesh Yadhav has been a big part of India’s recent successes.
Yadhav has finely developed into a reliable performer and his consistent bowling efforts have won over the Indian fans.
Yadhav will be very important in Engalnd.
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah has taken over from the great Lasith Malinga as the best death bowler in world cricket today.
Bumrah will be Kohli’s favorite option as the death bowler while his pace and swing can be very handy in England.
Mohammed Shami
Since the tournament is in England, India will need to keep a fourth seam bowling option which is why Shami is included.
Shami has had injury problems lately but his experience and consistency cannot be taken lightly.
He plays but more of a squad player than anything else.
