The countdown for India's much-anticipated Champions Trophy campaign is already underway, with the squad for the event set to be picked by selectors this weekend. As the final preparations begin, some prominent names are expected to miss out, and the discussions around the future of a few senior players are gaining momentum. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain the core of India’s batting line-up, the uncertain fate of several experienced cricketers raises questions about the team’s composition.

1. Veteran Batsmen in Focus: Can Rahul and Kohli Hold On?

The spotlight is firmly on out-of-form veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who will continue to be central to India’s batting strategy. However, the recent form of some senior players has led to serious speculation about their places in the squad. One such player is KL Rahul, who has found himself on the chopping block despite being a part of last year’s World Cup squad.

Rahul’s inconsistent performances have made his spot in the Champions Trophy squad uncertain. Despite his involvement in both the South Africa and Sri Lanka tours, his failure to score big runs, especially in the middle overs, has left fans and analysts questioning his place. His sedate half-century against Australia, using up 100-plus deliveries during India’s loss on November 19, 2023, still lingers in the minds of many. Additionally, with Rishabh Pant being the primary wicketkeeper for India, the role of Rahul as a back-up keeper has become increasingly redundant. If Rahul is not keeping wickets, his position as a batter in the squad is no longer guaranteed.

2. Jaiswal's Rising Star: A Bright Chance for the Youngster

On the other hand, young Yashasvi Jaiswal is seen as a frontrunner for a spot in India’s Champions Trophy squad. His exceptional performances in domestic cricket have turned heads, and his inclusion would provide India with a left-handed batter in the top four—a much-needed balance in the squad. Jaiswal’s rise has been one of the most exciting stories, and his consistency could make him a valuable asset for the team in the 50-over format.

However, there are still challenges for Jaiswal to overcome. With Rahul struggling to find form and Ishan Kishan failing to score consistently in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Jaiswal’s chances of securing a spot look stronger. But there is still one key player to watch—Sanju Samson. Though Samson’s form in the domestic circuit has been patchy, if India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has any influence in the selection process, his personal preference for Samson could see the wicketkeeper-batter make the cut.

3. Jadeja's Struggles: Is Axar Patel the Better Option?

Another major talking point in the build-up to the squad selection is the form of Ravindra Jadeja. The veteran all-rounder has been struggling with his white-ball performances, especially with the bat, leading to speculation about his place in the squad. Although Jadeja’s experience and left-arm spin are valuable, his inconsistency in the shorter formats has led selectors to favor Axar Patel, who has been in strong form lately.

Axar has emerged as a more effective option for India in ODIs, and his all-round contributions might just edge out Jadeja in the selection race. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar’s inclusion as an off-spinner is almost confirmed, though the fitness of Kuldeep Yadav remains a key concern. Kuldeep is recovering and has shown promise, but his lack of match fitness in the Vijay Hazare Trophy raises doubts about his availability for the Champions Trophy. In the event that Kuldeep is ruled out, one of Ravi Bishnoi or Varun Chakravarthy is likely to be picked as the backup spinner.

4. Shami's Fitness: Will Experience Prevail?

When it comes to the fast bowling department, Mohammed Shami’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad is still uncertain. Despite being a key figure in India’s bowling attack, Shami’s fitness status has been unclear, with the veteran pacer communicating sporadically with the team management and selectors. However, Shami has been active in domestic cricket, bowling eight overs in both of his recent Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. His experience could be crucial for India, especially if Jasprit Bumrah fails to make the squad due to ongoing back issues.

Hardik Pandya will remain India’s key seam bowling all-rounder, and selectors will closely monitor his progress leading up to the tournament. Meanwhile, the reserves for specialist batters could come down to Rinku Singh or Tilak Varma, with both having shown potential in domestic cricket.

5. India's Potential Champions Trophy Squad:

The final squad is shaping up to be a blend of experience and youth. With Rohit Sharma at the helm, India will look to assert their dominance in the 50-over format. The full squad in contention includes:

• Rohit Sharma (captain)
• Shubman Gill
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Virat Kohli
• KL Rahul
• Rishabh Pant
• Hardik Pandya
• Axar Patel
• Varun Chakravarthy/Ravi Bishnoi
• Washington Sundar
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Siraj
• Arshdeep Singh
• Avesh Khan/Mohammed Shami
• Rinku Singh/Tilak Varma

As India gears up for their opening match against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, all eyes will be on the selection committee as they make their final calls. The team’s journey to the Champions Trophy will be closely watched, with questions around senior players’ form and fitness set to dominate the narrative.