The Champions Trophy is just over a month away, and most cricket boards have announced their squads. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also expected to announce its team soon. Following a special meeting on Sunday, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla revealed that the squad for the Champions Trophy might be finalized in a meeting on the 18th or 19th of this month. Before the tournament, Team India is scheduled to play T20 and ODI series against England. The BCCI has already announced the squad for the five-match T20 series, which includes Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeepers, while Rishabh Pant has been rested.
Who Will Be the Second Wicketkeeper After Pant?
There’s no doubt that Rishabh Pant is the selectors’ first choice as a wicketkeeper. However, the big question remains: who will be picked as the backup wicketkeeper? During the ODI World Cup, KL Rahul had taken up this role, but in recent times, Pant has been consistently fulfilling it. For the second wicketkeeper slot, there seems to be a three-way competition between Dhruv Jurel, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan. Considering current circumstances, Jurel might have the edge.
The Competition: Jurel vs Samson vs Ishan
Sanju Samson’s decision to skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy has weakened his case for selection. Similarly, Ishan Kishan’s chances appear slim as he missed last year’s domestic season, putting him out of the selectors’ radar. On the other hand, Dhruv Jurel has made the most of every opportunity he’s received, excelling both as a wicketkeeper and a batter. He is undoubtedly on the selection committee’s radar for limited-overs cricket.
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Who Will Be the Leg Spinner? Kuldeep’s Fitness a Concern
Another pressing issue is the role of the leg-spinner in the squad. According to a PTI report, the selectors are expected to have serious discussions about this during their meeting. Kuldeep Yadav is required to undergo a fitness test, and if he doesn’t clear it, the selectors may have to choose between Tamil Nadu’s Varun Chakravarthy and Gujarat’s Ravi Bishnoi. Both have strengthened their cases with impressive performances in T20 internationals.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir is well-acquainted with both players’ skills. During his time with Kolkata Knight Riders, Chakravarthy was part of the team. Similarly, Bishnoi played under Gambhir’s guidance when the latter was mentoring the Lucknow Super Giants.
The upcoming meetings and series will play a critical role in shaping Team India’s squad for the Champions Trophy. Fans eagerly await the selectors’ final decisions.