Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 14, 2025, 11:40 AM
Champions Trophy 2025: A total of eight teams will participate for the Champions Trophy 2025, out of which six teams have been announced. So far the teams of India and Pakistan have not been selected. However, the squads of both the teams are likely to be announced by the end of this week. Indian cricket fans are eyeing which players the selection committee gives a chance.During the ODI World Cup, the Indian team got balance due to KL Rahul's wicketkeeping. Rahul performed well as a wicketkeeper batsman, but now it does not seem that he will play this role again in limited overs cricket. In such a situation, the selectors have the challenge of selecting the second wicketkeeper.Selection Committee meeting on January 19An important meeting of the National Selection Committee regarding the selection of the Indian team is expected to be held on January 19, a day after the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. In this meeting, a 15-member team will be selected for the Champions Trophy. Special discussion can be on the selection of the second wicketkeeper and leg spinner. Team India's head coach and selectors would like to ensure that the team is balanced and ready to compete in every situation.Competition for wicketkeeperRishabh Pant's place is almost confirmed for the role of the first wicketkeeper in the team. Pant is the first choice of the selectors due to his explosive batting and better wicketkeeping skills. However, there is a tough competition between Dhruv Jurel, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan for the selection of the second wicketkeeper. Looking at the current situation, Dhruv Jurel seems to be at the forefront of this race.Sanju Samson did not participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy recently, which has weakened his claim. At the same time, Ishan Kishan has scored 933 runs in 27 ODIs, including a double century. However, Kishan is not in the selectors' priority list due to staying away from domestic cricket last year. On the other hand, Dhruv Jurel has impressed with both his wicketkeeping and batting whenever he got a chance. Because of this, there is a strong possibility of Jurel being included in the team.Discussion on selection of leg spinnerThe meeting will also brainstorm on the selection of leg spinner in the Indian team. Kuldeep Yadav will have to pass the fitness test. If he is not fit, the selectors will consider other options. The names of Tamil Nadu's Varun Chakravarthy and Gujarat's Ravi Bishnoi are being discussed as leg spinners. Both the players have strengthened their claim by performing well in T20 international cricket.The head coach of Team India is well aware of the capabilities of both these spinners. When the coach was associated with Kolkata Knight Riders, Varun Chakravarthy was a part of that team. At the same time, when he was the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, Ravi Bishnoi used to play for that franchise.Eyes on the announcement of India-Pakistan teamsThe fans of both the countries are curious about the delay in the announcement of the teams of India and Pakistan. Both these teams are considered strong contenders in prestigious tournaments like the Champions Trophy. It is expected that both the teams will be announced by the end of this week.Overall, many important decisions are to be taken regarding the selection of the Indian team for the Champions Trophy 2025. Whatever decisions are taken on the selection of the second wicketkeeper and leg spinner, they will play an important role in Team India's strategy in the tournament. Cricket lovers are now waiting for the results of the meeting on January 19.