Selectors opt for continuity, experience
Indian cricket selectors have opted for continuity and experience while naming the 15-member squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy, keeping IPL performances as only a marker for the future.
Although IPL performances have drawn a lot of attention, the three-member panel headed by former India stumper MSK Prasad have made just two changes to the squad which beat England 2-1 in the home ODI series in January.
Rohit Sharma’s return was expected once he proved his fitness after a thigh surgery and shoulder problem, while KL Rahul’s injury layoff means the man with two ODI double centuries is set to return as opener.
R Ashwin’s return is vital. India of late have asked players to prove their fitness by playing matches before being picked, but the selectors clarified the team management had spoke to Rising Pune Supergiant to allow the player who had sports hernia to rest.
That was important considering his workload. Starting with enough to listen to our request to rest him. Rest is what Ashwin required as the last game that India played, he was there. That shows he is fit and not like others who are getting rehabilitated after surgery,” Prasad explained.
Mohammed Shami is the most skilled among India’s talented pace pack. He last played an ODI in the
2015 World Cup semifinal against Australia, and knee problems again surfaced during the England series and sidelined him.
But Shami’s pace and ability to swing the ball, conventionally or reverse, will give India the edge. Once he proved his fitness playing for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and then for Delhi Daredevils, he could convince the selectors.
Shikhar Dhawan’s selection too reflects consistency. Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik and Suresh Raina are the batting standbys, but the left-handed opener who has come through injuries and a dip in form knows what it takes.
He was the Player-of-theTournament when India won in 2013. He has worked his way back in the domestic season and IPL.
Shikhar’s technique could be tested against pace in English conditions though pitches for the 2013 Champions Trophy, also played in June, were ideal for batting with little lateral movement for seamers.
We considered the name of Kuldeep Yadav. He would have been a surprise package but since Yuvraj and Kedar can bowl spin, he narrowly missed out
Selecting only MS Dhoni as a specialist keeper is a vote of confidence to India’s limited-overs match-winner and a message that 19-year-old Rishabh Pant, who made his T20I debut against England, will have to wait for his turn.