Not Rishabh Pant! Harbhajan Singh Picks Ex-Delhi Capitals Star As India's Preferred Choice In Champions Trophy

The anticipation for the ICC Champions Trophy has already hit its peak. The marquee event is returning to after an eight year absence and India will be one of the contenders for the title this time around.

India have been clubbed in Group A which also consists of Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand. Except for India's matches, the rest of the tournament will be hosted by Pakistan

There have been numerous reports regarding India's squad for the Champions Trophy which could be announced at any moment. ICC has set a January 12 deadline for submitting the provisional squads while teams will be allowed to make changes until February 13.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Sanju Samson should get a chance in the squad for the Champions Trophy.

On his YouTube channel, he said, "I have chosen Axar Patel over Ravindra Jadeja. I think Axar is ready to fulfil the role that Jadeja has done for so many years.

"I think one among Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant should be picked. I feel Sanju should be preferred because he had played in South Africa. Rishabh played well in Australia, but it was a long tour, so if he is rested, it's not a big thing."

India will host England for a five match T20I series followed by three ODIs. Mohammed Shami returned to the India setup after a prolonged period on the sidelines and the fast bowler could be in contention for a place in the Champions Trophy.

Japsrit Bumrah is also expected to make the cut but his injury makes him an uncertain for the group stage matches.

Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar.

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