India announces Champions Trophy Squad: Rohit Sharma to lead, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami return
Shami makes his return to India's ODI squad for first time since November 2023 | Jaiswal receives his maiden call-up to India's ODI squad for upcoming Champions Trophy
PTC Web Desk: India has officially announced their squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with Rohit Sharma once again leading the team. The announcement, made on Saturday, January 18, took place at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, where Ajit Agarkar revealed the team. Shubman Gill will serve as Rohit's deputy, and most of the players from India's successful ODI World Cup 2023 campaign have been retained.
Among the new additions are Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has finally earned his spot in the Indian ODI squad. Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are expected to take on the role of wicketkeepers for the tournament. The spin department will feature Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Sundar, with Kuldeep making a comeback after recovering from an injury sustained before the Australia tour.
India’s Champions Trophy Squad:
Rohit Sharma (C)
Shubman Gill (VC)
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul
Hardik Pandya
Axar Patel
Washington Sundar
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Shami
Arshdeep Singh
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Rishabh Pant
Ravindra Jadeja
Jasprit Bumrah's return a huge boost
One of the most discussed aspects of the Champions Trophy squad announcement was the fitness of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Following a back spasm during the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, there were doubts about his participation in the eight-team tournament. However, Bumrah dismissed rumours of bed rest and reassured fans with reports confirming his inclusion in the squad. His return is a major boost for India’s pace attack.
Yashasvi Jaiswal set for ODI debut
Mumbai's Yashasvi Jaiswal, widely regarded for his stellar performances in Tests and T20Is, is set to make his ODI debut. The young southpaw was India's top scorer in Tests last year and has been in sensational form across formats. Jaiswal has amassed over 1,500 runs in List A matches, including five centuries, and is expected to back up the regular opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Mohammed Shami's comeback
After a challenging period, including a foot injury and surgery, Mohammed Shami makes his return to the ODI squad. The pacer last played in the World Cup 2023 final and has since been sidelined. Shami's form in domestic competitions, including the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy, earned him a call-up for the Champions Trophy. His inclusion strengthens India's bowling attack as he looks to regain his rhythm in international cricket.