The Indian cricket team, which recently quenched its thirst for an ICC trophy by winning the T20 World Cup 2024, now faces the current hype surrounding the Champions Trophy. This silverware, which India won in 2013, has eluded them since then. It is also important to note that after 2013, the Champions Trophy took place again in 2017 in England, where India came very close to winning. However, their archrivals Pakistan claimed the trophy, thanks to Mohammad Amir’s pace bowling and Fakhar Zaman’s impressive century.
Now, India has the chance for revenge as they look to excel in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Currently, India is considering a hybrid model to host the tournament due to resistance to traveling to Pakistan, the official host. If they do participate, which players have the potential to shine?
As many legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma approach the final years of their careers, it’s a time for transition and for new players to step up. But who are those who can? Here are three top names who could not only make the squad but also deliver a great performance in this ICC tournament.
Abhishek Sharma
Having played five T20Is, including an impressive century in just his second T20I against Zimbabwe where he scored 124 runs, Sharma has already announced his arrival on the international stage. In IPL 2024, where his striking power in the first few overs became a focal point for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sharma’s impact was undeniable. In 16 games during IPL 2024, he not only scored 484 runs but did so in a manner that left a lasting impression.
The southpaw’s strike rate of 204.22 in the 2024 season was remarkable, and he, along with Travis Head, was one of the key reasons SRH reached the finals.
Although he hasn’t had the opportunity in ODIs yet, with Shubman Gill getting many chances at the top of the order, another possible contender could be Yashasvi Jaiswal, who possesses similar attributes. It will be interesting to see how the balance shifts moving forward.
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Rinku Singh
Apart from top-order batters, another name that could be in the mix is Rinku Singh. The left-hander gained widespread attention when he famously destroyed the Gujarat Titans’ Yash Dayal by hitting 30 runs in the last over of a group stage match in 2023, making him a household name. Since then, he has been on the radar for the Indian cricket circuit. However, when he was not selected for India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, there was criticism from Indian fans who believed he was a better fit than Shivam Dube.
In the 2024 IPL, although Rinku played 14 games, he didn’t bat much as KKR’s top order was performing well. He scored 168 runs for them. When he played for India in January 2024 against South Africa in an ODI, he scored 55 runs with an average of 28. In the T20Is against South Africa, he played just one game but caught attention by scoring 68 runs, including a massive six that broke the pavilion mirror.
If things go well, Rinku Singh could be rewarded with a spot in the Champions Trophy squad, making his debut alongside other top names. Riyan Parag could also be a contender, as he is currently performing well with the ball, providing a good combination. It will be interesting to see how this scenario unfolds.
Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana, who deservedly received his maiden call-up for India in the Sri Lanka ODIs after an outstanding performance in IPL 2024, took 19 wickets in 13 games with an impressive economy rate of 9.08. However, he did not play in any of the three ODIs.
In IPL 2024, he became the fourth-highest wicket-taker for the Kolkata Knight Riders and helped the team clinch their third IPL trophy. Before the Sri Lanka call-up, he was also part of the India A side at the ACC Emerging Men’s Cup, where he opened the bowling and picked up seven wickets in five games.
This clearly indicates that India is looking to strengthen their pace attack after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, and he could be a key rollout for the team. As India undergoes a transition, he might play a crucial role for the Indian camp in the upcoming future.
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