India has announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for next month. The lineup includes notable comebacks and fresh faces.
Jasprit Bumrah, recovering from back spasms, has made the cut. Kuldeep Yadav, sidelined by a groin injury since October, also returns. Additionally, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is back after being excluded from the recent T20 series against England.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma revealed the squad on Saturday. The announcement brought clarity to India’s plans.
Bumrah, India’s top wicket-taker in the recent Test series against Australia, had to miss the final match in Sydney. His return strengthens India’s bowling attack significantly. To manage his workload, Harshit Rana has been named as cover for the ODIs against England.
Similarly, fast bowler Mohammed Shami has retained his spot. He is returning after over a year of recovery from ankle surgery. Speaking about Shami, Agarkar remarked, “You don’t need to question Shami’s quality. He just needed match practice.”
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who impressed in Tests and T20s, has earned his maiden ODI call-up. This gives him a chance to shine on the big stage.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya, last seen in ODIs during the 2023 World Cup, also returns. He will serve as the sole pace-bowling all-rounder. Meanwhile, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar are the spin-bowling all-rounders.
Notably, Kuldeep Yadav, now fully fit, bolsters the spin department further. His return adds depth to the team’s bowling options.
India is in Group A for the tournament. The team will open its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.
Full Champions Trophy Squad:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), 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.
