New Delhi: We might be in the middle of the Indian Premier League season 10 but talks about India's probably XI for the upcoming Champions Trophy in England have already making rounds around the India's cricketing universe.
Michael Clarke, who has been appointed as one of the commentators for IPL 2017, revealed his 11-member India squad for the mega ICC event while speaking to India Today.
"I think if KL Rahul is not completely fit, India will not pick him. It is a big loss but India have got replacements. I think Rohit Sharma needs to play and open for India. And then I think the selectors will go for Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane's technique if the ball is swinging is conducive to England, he is a good player of both fast and spin and offers a lot on the field.
With many considering a recall for Shikhar Dhawan for the opener's slot in place of injured KL Rahul, it seems Clarke would rather want India to go bowling heavy.
"No brainer at No.3... Virat Kohli as captain, Yuvraj Singh at No.4. I think Yuvraj has earned his place, he is experienced. I would go with MS Dhoni at No.5. He is experienced and he's still the best keeper in the Indian team. At No.6, I would pick Manish Pandey and then Kedar Jadhav at No.7.
"Ashwin and Jadeja will be my two spinners and my four quicks would be Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who continues to show that he can play in all three formats. Then it's Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami," he said.
Here's the complete 11-man squad
Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami
Some of the big names missing out from the squad include, Suresh Raina, Hardik Pandya, Shkhar Dhawan, Ashish Nehra, all of whom might just be able to grab a place when BCCI selection committee decides to announce the same.
