
Gill has succeeded Hardik Pandya in the position, strengthening his spot at the top of the order in the playing XI.
“We are not sure if Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Hence, we wanted someone who can bowl with the new ball and the old one. That is why, we have picked Arshdeep Singh, because of his abilities in the backend. Siraj’s effectiveness comes down if he doesn’t use the new ball. It’s unfortunate if he misses out,” Rohit said in the press conference.
“The tactics are very clear in my mind. Gautam Gambhir trusts the captain once we enter the field. The basic talks happen off the field. Once we take the field, it’s all about what I do. That’s the kind of trust we have in each other, and that’s how it should be,” Rohit added.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that the side is still pondering over Bumrah’s participation, basis fitness permits him to. Apparently, Bumrah was advised five weeks of rest upon picking his back injury. The five-week-long period ends in early February.
Harshit Rana will be a part of the Indian team for the ODI series against England, potentially being a replacement for Bumrah if the latter fails to be fit in time for the Champions Trophy.
Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill (VC), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja
First Published: Jan 18, 2025 2:59 PM IST