By Karan Agrawal 
India’s Champions Trophy squad announcement was delayed a few days back and the reason everyone assumed was the fitness of India’s fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah who is nursing a back injury that he picked up during the Fifth and final Test against Australia.
The Concern
Now it is being reported that other than Bumrah the selectors are also mulling over the fitness of Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman bowler hasn’t played international cricket since featuring in the first Test against New Zealand at home as he picked up a groin injury which has kept him out of action since then.
The Request
The 15-member squad which was to be announced by January 12 will now be announced on January 19 after the BCCI requested the ICC to allow them more time to submit the preliminary squad having said that the final squad can be named before February 13.
The Decision
Although there are concerns over the duo’s fitness a Danik Jaagran report said that the selectors have made up their minds to pick the duo in the squad along with Mohammed Shami who hasn’t played international cricket since the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and is all set to make a return in the five-match T20I series against England.
The Choice
Even if Bumrah is selected in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy there are high possibility of him getting ruled out from India’s group-stage matches if the report in Indian Express is to be believed. In such a scenario India might pick Arshdeep Singh as the fourth seamer to partner Siraj and Shami in the fast-bowling department.
The Trio
As far as the spin bowling is concerned India might go with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as the two all-rounders given their recent performances because Jadeja’s returns in white ball cricket have also diminished since the ODI World Cup with Kuldeep completing the trio.
The Form
One of the biggest talking points in the selection committee meeting would be the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The former and current Indian captain had a below-average tour of Australia.
The Trust
Virat Kohli could score only one 50-plus score in the 10 innings in which he batted, while captain Rohit Sharma seemed like a walking wicket and was unable to score a single half-century in six innings of the three matches he played on the tour. Having said that the duo is certain of assuring their place in the squad with Gill making the top three of India’s batting lineup.