The BCCI may delay the announcement of the ODI squad of team India for the upcoming series against England. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, initially set to announce the provisional Champions Trophy squad by January 12, is now likely to request an extension.
On the other hand, the T20 squad for the five-match series against England may be revealed in the next couple of days. The ICC mandates that participating teams submit a provisional squad at least a month before a global event, with the option for future changes.
This time, the ICC has asked for the squads five weeks ahead of the tournament. The BCCI, citing recent commitments for the Test series in Australia, plans to seek more time.
As a result, the provisional Champions Trophy squad, which will largely consist of players from the three home ODIs against England, is likely to be announced around January 18-19, a week later than initially expected. The Champions Trophy is set to begin in Pakistan-UAE on February 19.
Mohammed Shami is likely to be recalled to the ODI squad for the upcoming series against England
The T20 squad, expected to be announced in the next few days, will not feature any surprises. It will include players from the October series against Bangladesh, with no room for players like Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Siraj, who were also absent from that series.
Arshdeep Singh is set to lead the bowling attack in the T20Is, and there is a possibility that the left-arm pacer from Punjab could also be included in the ODI squad. The key development, however, is the likely inclusion of Mohammed Shami in the ODI squad.
While it’s unclear whether he will feature in the T20Is, there is a strong chance he will be part of the England ODIs and the Champions Trophy. It is understood that Shami has either received clearance from the Sports Science wing of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru or is expected to get it soon.
He recently played in the Vijay Hazare domestic one-day tournament for Bengal and last represented India during the World Cup in October-November 2023. His long absence from international cricket will soon come to an end.
It seems unlikely that Nitish Kumar Reddy, a newcomer to Indian cricket, will be included in the ODI squad, although he is expected to remain in the T20I squad against England. Washington Sundar, on the other hand, is likely to make the ODI squad, indicating his potential to become a regular in all formats.
Similarly, Yashasvi Jaiswal may also be included in the ODI team. England will play five T20Is and three ODIs, starting on January 22, with the ODIs scheduled for February 6, 9, and 12.
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