The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may postpone the announcement of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Initially, the selection committee was expected to reveal the provisional Champions Trophy squad by January 12, following International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines.
However, the board is likely to seek an extension, citing recent commitments in Australia for the Test series.
Meanwhile, the T20I lineup for the five-match series against England could be revealed in the next two days.
Before major global tournaments, the ICC requires teams to submit their provisional squads at least a month in advance, allowing room for subsequent changes.
However, the ICC brought this deadline forward to five weeks before the start of the tournament.
In response, the BCCI plans to delay the announcement of the Champions Trophy team, likely revealing it around January 18-19. The tournament is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE.
The T20 team is expected to feature familiar faces from recent series against Bangladesh and South Africa.
Notable absentees such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are unlikely to return.
Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead the bowling attack in the T20Is, with a possibility of his inclusion in the ODI squad as well.
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is expected to return to the ODI squad.
While his participation in the T20Is remains uncertain, Shami is likely to play in England’s ODIs and the Champions Trophy.
Having recently represented Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shami appears to have received clearance from the Sports Science wing of the BCCI in Bengaluru.
His last international appearance was during the ICC Cricket World Cup in October-November 2023.
Washington Sundar is expected to be part of the ODI squad, underlining his growing prominence across formats.
Similarly, Yashasvi Jaiswal is also likely to win a seat. On the other hand, young prospect Nitish Kumar Reddy is not expected to be part of the ODI squad but is likely to retain his place in the T20I lineup.
England’s tour of India begins with five T20Is starting on January 22, followed by three ODIs scheduled for February 6, 9 and 12.
Performances in the ODIs are expected to shape the Indian team for the Champions Trophy.
