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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering delaying the announcement of the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England. Initially, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee was expected to reveal the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy by January 12, in line with the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines. However, […]
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering delaying the announcement of the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England. Initially, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee was expected to reveal the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy by January 12, in line with the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines. However, the BCCI is now likely to request an extension. Meanwhile, the T20 squad for the five-match series against England could be announced within the next couple of days.
As per ICC regulations, participating teams must submit a provisional squad at least a month before a global event, with the flexibility to make changes later. This year, however, the ICC has asked for squads to be submitted five weeks before the tournament. Given the recent commitments of the Indian team in Australia for the Test series, the BCCI is expected to ask for more time to finalize the Champions Trophy squad.
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The provisional Champions Trophy squad is likely to be heavily influenced by player performances in the three ODIs against England. The BCCI is anticipated to announce the squad around January 18-19, providing selectors additional time to evaluate player fitness and form. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, with matches set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE.
This decision underscores the importance of careful squad selection ahead of crucial tournaments. With a packed international calendar, the BCCI aims to balance preparation for the Champions Trophy while ensuring strong performances in the England series.
The T20 squad for the upcoming series against England, expected to be announced in the next couple of days, is unlikely to feature any surprises. The lineup will largely consist of players who participated in the recent series against Bangladesh and South Africa. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both absent from those series, will remain unavailable. Arshdeep Singh is set to lead the bowling attack in the T20Is, with the Punjab left-arm pacer also in contention for a spot in the ODI squad.
A significant development is the anticipated return of Mohammed Shami to the ODI squad. While his inclusion in the T20Is remains uncertain, Shami is expected to feature in the England ODIs and the Champions Trophy. Reports suggest that Shami has either already received clearance from the Sports Science wing of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru or is on the verge of obtaining it. Having recently played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal, Shami’s last appearance for India was during the 2023 World Cup, and his return will mark the end of a prolonged international break.
Youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has impressed in recent outings, is unlikely to be included in the ODI squad but is expected to retain his place in the T20I series against England. On the other hand, Washington Sundar is poised to secure a spot in the ODI squad, highlighting his growing role as a versatile player across formats. Emerging talent Yashasvi Jaiswal is also expected to be named in the ODI team, further strengthening the batting lineup.
The BCCI’s focus on balancing experienced players like Shami with rising stars such as Jaiswal and Sundar reflects a strategic approach to squad selection. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, these decisions aim to ensure both short-term success in the England series and long-term preparation for the marquee tournament.
Fast bowler Varun Aaron has announced his retirement from all forms of representative cricket after Jharkhand’s exit from the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 35-year-old had already stepped away from red-ball cricket after the 2023-24 season and has now decided to retire from white-ball formats as well. In the current Vijay Hazare Trophy, Aaron played four matches and took three wickets at an average of 53.33.
“For the past 20 years, I have lived, breathed, and thrived on the rush of bowling fast. Today, with immense gratitude, I officially announce my retirement from representative cricket,” Aaron wrote on his Instagram page.
“As I bid farewell to a pursuit that has consumed me completely, I now look forward to savouring the smaller joys in life while staying deeply connected to the game that has given me everything. Fast bowling has been my first love, and though I step off the field, it will always be a part of who I am.”
Varun Aaron first gained national attention during the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy when he surpassed the 150kph mark on the speed gun. This performance earned him a spot in India’s ODI and Test teams, making his debut against England and the West Indies, respectively, later that year. Over the course of his international career, Aaron played 18 matches across both formats, taking 29 wickets. His final appearance for India came in a Test against South Africa in 2015.
Despite struggling with multiple back injuries, Aaron had a successful first-class career, claiming 173 wickets from 66 matches at an average of 33.27. He also impressed in List A cricket, taking 141 wickets at an average of 26.47. In addition to his domestic success, Aaron featured in nine seasons of the IPL, representing five different franchises: Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans. He capped off his IPL career with a title win in 2022 with Gujarat Titans.
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