IND vs SL: The Champions trophy is back and since 2018, this will be played again in 2024 for the first time. With speculations over India’s participation, new coach Gambhir would look to be ready with his side, in case they proceed to play their first ICC tournament under him in Pakistan.
Though BCCI secretary, Jay Shah and T20 World Cup winning skipper have often indicated India’s positive participation in the games. Jay Shah proclaimed that India will be led by Rohit in the upcoming Champions Trophy as well.
As of now, Gambhir is assigned his first major tour to Sri Lanka with the men in blue and this will be his only ODI series in the sub-continent, as later in February next year India will be touring England for the same. So Gambhir might look to reinforce his squad to get over the flaws that led to India’s loss in the finals of the World Cup in 2023, despite their dream 10-match unbeaten run.
Gambhir’s likely challenges for the 50-over format
An Opener alongside skipper Rohit Sharma
When India went all attack in the last 50-over World Cup on their home grounds, the only player who seemed to be struggling with both form and intent was the skipper’s opening partner, Shubman Gill.
Gill has often been criticised for his lack of intent and lack of the spirit of the game, as he is often seen playing some of his own game irrespective of what the team needs from him. Now with Gambhir having several options in young Yashasvi Jaiswal and potent successor of the veterans Ruturaj Gaikwad, Gill’s position might look threatened.
After Shreyas Iyer’s stunning CWC campaign – Should he make a return
Shreyas Iyer, the KKR skipper has been the best in the format for India. As he has been the only batter from India who featured in ICC’s ODI team of the year for 2022, and he continued his form into 2023 as well.
However, after his breathtaking stance in the Cricket World Cup 2023, he was dropped from BCCI’s annual contract which took all by surprise. Gautam Gambhir who is well aware of his calibre might be baking him to make a comeback for India.
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After Pant’s return – Who is at no.5 – Pant or Rahul
Rishabh Pant was seen playing for the Men in Blue at no.4, while his absence was taken over by former Capitals teammate, Shreyas Iyer. With Pant’s return and KL Rahul’s unstoppable form at no.5 for India, this will be a tough choice for Gambhir.
Rahul has improved his skills as a wicket-keeper; hence, Pant cannot exceed him in anything. Still, Pant might look to feature for India, even if it means alternate games for Iyer and Pant if speculations hold about Rahul being India’s stand-in skipper.
Arshdeep, Avesh and Khaleel contest for India’s third-pace bowling option
In the absence of senior bowlers, Bumrah and Shami this will be the best chance for the Indian team to access their third pace bowling option. There is severe competition for the spot, as T20 World Cup ace Arshdeep Singh stands in a queue alongside Avesh and Khaleel both under-19 teammates, who have had promising domestic seasons for India, before making their way into international cricket.
Gambhir might also look to fancy his chances on bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and KKR pacer Harshit Rana, as both these bowlers can also bring in the quality that India need for their upcoming big games in the Champions Trophy and later the CWC 2027.
