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The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the Champions Trophy, and the selection process has generated considerable buzz, particularly regarding the composition of the 15-member provisional squad. The upcoming national selection committee meeting on January 19th will finalize the team, but several key positions remain fiercely contested. One such position is the second wicket-keeper, a crucial role given the importance of having a reliable backup to the primary keeper, Rishabh Pant. While Pant's place is secure, the competition for the second spot is intense, involving Dhruv Jurel, Sanju Samson, and the surprising inclusion of Ishan Kishan.
Ishan Kishan's unexpected return to contention is noteworthy, given his recent fall from grace with the selection committee. His omission from BCCI's annual central contracts last year, following his decision to skip domestic cricket, seemed to signal the end of his immediate prospects. However, his past ODI record, boasting 933 runs in 27 matches at an impressive average of over 42, including a double century and seven half-centuries, demonstrates his undeniable talent. His recent performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, although less spectacular (316 runs in seven games with a single century), hasn't entirely extinguished his chances. His inclusion in the World Cup squad further highlights his persistent presence on the selectors' radar. However, the rise of Dhruv Jurel presents a significant challenge to Kishan's hopes.
Dhruv Jurel has quickly established himself as a promising young keeper. His impressive performances have earned him a place in the T20 squad for the upcoming England series, serving as Sanju Samson's understudy. His selection for the T20 format, and his inclusion in the broader white-ball scheme of things under the current selection committee, strongly suggests he is the frontrunner for the second keeper position in the Champions Trophy squad. The selection committee’s emphasis on Jurel further indicates a long-term vision for his role within the team, potentially positioning him as the second keeper for both Tests and ODIs alongside Rishabh Pant, a clear indication of a potential shift in the team's wicket-keeping dynamics. The exclusion of Sanju Samson from this equation might be linked to his decision to skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy, further bolstering Jurel's prospects.
Beyond the wicket-keeping debate, the selection committee faces another dilemma: choosing a second wrist-spinner, a critical role given the uncertainty surrounding Kuldeep Yadav's fitness. Kuldeep's participation hinges on a forthcoming fitness test and match simulation, leaving the door open for other talented candidates. Among the contenders are Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, both of whom have showcased their abilities in T20I matches for India. Varun, with a remarkable 18 wickets in six games during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, boasts two five-wicket hauls and a commendable economy rate of 4.36. However, concerns persist about his performance on flat pitches like the one at the Dubai Stadium, and his less-than-stellar fielding could be a liability at the international level.
Ravi Bishnoi, on the other hand, presents a strong alternative. His impressive economy rate of 3.64 during the VHT, coupled with his prowess in bowling googlies, makes him a valuable asset. Furthermore, his strong throwing arm, ability to field effectively in the deep, and exceptional catching skills make him a more well-rounded option compared to Varun. The fact that both Bishnoi and Chakravarthy have previously played under the current India head coach, albeit with different franchises (Bishnoi with Lucknow Super Giants and Chakravarthy with KKR under Gautam Gambhir), could influence the final decision. The selection committee will likely carefully weigh their respective strengths and weaknesses before making a final call, considering not only their bowling skills but also their all-round contributions to the team. The final squad announcement will be highly anticipated, shaping the future trajectory of Indian cricket in the upcoming Champions Trophy.