Out Of Favour Indian Star Emerges Surprise Choice For India In ICC Champions Trophy
Photo : AP
The Champions Trophy selection debate is hotting up. Except for India and Pakistan, all other teams have announced their provisional squad.
A number of discussions are expected to take place as the Indian selectors are all set to finalise the 15-member squad in the next few days. One of the key positions which needs to be addressed will be who is going to be the preferred choice behind the wicket.
Rishabh Pant is expected to be first choice wicketkeeper for the marquee ICC event and it has now emerged it will be a three-way race for the second spot. As per a PTI report, alongside Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan has also appeared to be in contention for a spot on that flight to Dubai.
Except for India’s matches, the rest of the tournament is all set to be hosted in Pakistan. India will open their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 followed by a high-voltage clash against Pakistan on February 23.
Ishan featured in 27 ODIs for the Men in Blue and amassed 933 runs at an average of 42.41. After his decision to skip domestic cricket last year, Kishan was snubbed from BCCI’s central contract. Samson’s skipped the Vijay Hazare Trophy which might go against his selection.
Jurel has been picked by India’s squad for the upcoming England series and as per PTI, the selectors might have sent him a signal that he is in their scheme of plans for white-ball formats.
Jurel could be Pant’s understudy in both Test and ODI cricket while Samson will be the preferred choice in the shortest format. The Champions Trophy is returning after a seven-year hiatus. Pakistan is the current holders of the title and they will also be one of the contenders for the trophy this time.
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