Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has identified all-rounder Hardik Pandya as a pivotal player for India in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Speaking on Star Sports Press Room, Raina emphasized the significance of Hardik’s role, particularly in the middle overs. He also highlighted the importance of the bowling combination, suggesting that Hardik Pandya’s partnership with bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav could be game-changing.
The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to commence on February 19 and will run until March 9, with matches being hosted in Pakistan and the UAE under a hybrid model. India, a part of Group A, will play all its matches in Dubai. The group includes defending champions Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. India’s campaign kicks off against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23. The team will wrap up its league-stage fixtures against New Zealand on March 2.
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Raina expressed confidence in India’s squad, which boasts experienced players and promising talent. He praised Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah for their ability to trouble batters, but reiterated that Hardik Pandya’s all-around skills make him India’s most valuable asset. “The combination matters. If it is Hardik and Axar, the batting depth increases, which is advantageous. The middle overs will be critical,” Raina noted. He also commended Kuldeep Yadav for his recent improvements, adding that his unique bowling style has become a significant weapon under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
The Indian squad for the tournament, led by Rohit Sharma, includes Shubman Gill as vice-captain, with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant forming the core of the batting lineup. The team also features a strong all-rounder contingent comprising Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. The spin department will be spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav, supported by Axar, Jadeja, and Sundar. The fast-bowling attack includes Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh. Notable absences from the squad include Sanju Samson and Mohammed Siraj.
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, India will engage in a three-match ODI series against England starting February 6. The squad for this series is largely the same as the one for the ICC Champions Trophy, with one change: Harshit Rana will replace Jasprit Bumrah.
The Champions Trophy, an eight-team event, will feature 15 matches in a 50-over format. Group B comprises reigning Cricket World Cup champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan, England, and South Africa. As cricket fans gear up for the thrilling tournament, the India-Pakistan showdown on February 23 is expected to be a major highlight.
The India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
India’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- 20 February – India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
- 23 February – India vs Pakistan, Dubai
- 2 March – India vs New Zealand, Dubai.
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