The much awaited Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy has finally been revealed on January 18. Rohit Sharma will lead the team in the marquee event while the likes of Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav will play very pivotal roles.

A lot of permutations and combinations are being floated in as predictions for the perfect playing XI have poured in from all over the world. Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness has been a major concern as the Indian fast bowler is reportedly suffering from a back spasm.

The 31 year old ended as the highest wicket-taker in the Border Gavaskar Trophy and the Men In Blue will rely a lot on him if they are to do well in the tournament. Another bowler who will be on the focus is Mohammed Shami. The 34 year old has recently been included in India’s T20I squad against England and is also a part of the Champions Trophy squad. Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels India should go with two pacers and both Arshdeep Singh and Bumrah should start with Shami as the back-up option.

On the Star Sports show Follow The Blues he said, "You eliminate one of the fast bowlers. If Arshdeep and Bumrah are both available, then you can afford to leave out somebody like a Shami. So for me, Shami is not a starter.

"Then one between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel and one reserve wicketkeeper. So in this case, Rishabh Pant may be on the benches.

"My XI would be Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.”

India squad for the Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant(wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal

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