Rohit Sharma will lead the India squad in the upcoming Champions Trophy, which kicks off on 19 February in Pakistan. The tournament sees a major change with Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to a lower back injury. Taking his place is Harshit Rana, a promising talent who has already showcased his skills in recent one-day internationals against England.
The India squad boasts several established players, including the likes of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Shami. The team is further strengthened by the presence of wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, along with all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Spin options are bolstered by Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. The inclusion of Varun Chakaravarthy, who replaced opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, adds depth to the bowling lineup.
Harshit Rana steps into the spotlight as Bumrah's replacement after making his one-day international debut against England on 6 February. With four wickets in just two ODIs, Rana has shown potential to be a key asset for India. Meanwhile, Chakaravarthy, at 33 years old, became India's second-oldest one-day debutant during a match against England on 9 February. His experience and skill set promise to be instrumental in the team's bowling strategy.
The Champions Trophy will see India's group-stage games, a semi-final, and potentially the final held in Dubai. Meanwhile, Pakistan remains the primary host for the other fixtures. This arrangement follows ongoing complexities surrounding venue preferences and logistical considerations.
India's non-travelling reserves include Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube. With these options available, the team management retains flexibility to address unexpected challenges that may arise during the tournament.
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