9 January 2025- After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is over, India and seven other top cricketing nations will focus on the ICC Champions Trophy, which is a different format. However, this raises additional questions as India aims to perfect the combination before departing for their matches in the United Arab Emirates.
Even though India’s 2023 World Cup squad was well-rounded and established a solid model for the team’s operations, more than a year has passed, and there are still gaps that need to be filled. These are a few of the more troubling issues facing India.
Team India as champions of T20 World Cup 2024
Hardik Vs Bumrah for the position of Vice-Captain
The ODIs appear to be the final venue where Rohit Sharma can depend on his selection after being axed from Tests and retired from T20Is. There is no reason to try to move on from a man who has three double-centuries in the format; it is undoubtedly his best format. Hardik Pandya, who is still being passed over for international leadership, may be displeased that Jasprit Bumrah is expected to serve as his vice-captain in this squad.
Bumrah facing an injury
Due to a back spasm, Jasprit Bumrah was unable to bowl in the last innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, raising concerns about his fitness and health. With the pace bowling ranks already somewhat weakened, India will want Bumrah healthy and playing well for the Champions Trophy.
Confusion around KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson
After his World Cup achievements, Rohit, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer appear to be firmly established in the top four, but the middle order at numbers five and six is less certain. Although KL Rahul is the relying one, things are made more difficult by Rishabh Pant’s comeback. Gautam Gambhir is a little spoiled for choice when you combine this with Sanju Samson’s brilliant white ball form. Can he get the combination correct?
Fitness issues with Shami and Kuldeep Yadav
At the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mohammed Shami was India’s top strike bowler, but he had a difficult time getting back on his feet. Whether he will arrive to back Bumrah and Siraj will count for a lot. Likewise, if Kuldeep Yadav becomes fit, he is probably the best spin option.
Will Yashasvi Jaiswal get a call
Although Yashasvi Jaiswal has made headlines as an opener in Test and Twenty20 international cricket, his best form is thought to be in the 50-over format. Will Jaiswal finally receive an ODI call-up after a 53.96 average, and in such a prestigious tournament?
It will be interesting to watch India’s depth options because a squad of 15 is not a huge one. Hardik Pandya could be covered by Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Mayank Yadav, who adds that something extra, could replace a long list of pace bowling backups. Tilak Varma’s left-handedness and middle order flexibility can be a weapon, and all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, rather than a frontline spinner, could provide the spin depth.
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