By Karan Agrawal 
According to a report published in Cricbuzz on Saturday, the announcement of India’s 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy has been delayed. The BCCI has sought more time from the ICC to announce India’s squad for the Champions, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Dubai.
The Reason
“The BCCI, citing recent commitments in Australia for the Test series, is expected to request for more time. It is likely that the provisional Champions Trophy squad will predominantly feature players from the three home ODIs against England,” the report claimed.
Although all eight teams have to name their squads by January 12 the BCCI has requested more time citing the long and challenging tour of Australia which consisted of five Test matches and was more than a month-long tour.
The Decision
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. 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.
The Choice
Wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul has made himself unavailable for the white-ball series against England, which comprises five T20Is and three ODIs although he is assured of a spot in India’s Champions Trophy squad. Rahul who was exceptional behind the stumps during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India might not be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the Champions Trophy scheduled given the fact that Rishabh Pant is fit and available for the multination tournament and also because he gives a left-handed batting option in the middle order which India lacked in the 2023 World Cup.
The Combination
As far as the bowling department 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.
The Experience
If we talk about the fast bowling department experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami is expected to feature in India’s three-match ODI series at home against England with Siraj who is expected to share the new ball with him and Arshdeep completing the trio to make India’s fast bowling department which makes it safe to say that the three fast bowlers will be travelling to Dubai for the Champions Trophy
The Concern
Other than a dip in the form of India’s batters one of the major concerns for the selectors would be the availability of Jasprit Bumrah who suffered a back spasm in the fifth Test against Australia. If the report in Hindustan Times is to be believed Bumrah might find a place in the squad but the fast bowler will feature in the playing XI only if he is pain-free. “The surgeon is in touch with BCCI’s medical team and the selectors are expected to be informed,” read the report.