The Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy has been announced. Suryakumar Yadav did not get a place in the team. Suresh Raina believes that Surya should also be in the team. Raina answered questions related to the Indian team selected for the ICC Champions Trophy at the Star Sports Press Room Show on Sunday.
Surprised by Surya's absence- Raina 15 players were selected in the Indian team for the Champions Trophy. After the team selection, Raina expressed surprise at not including Suryakumar Yadav in the team. Raina said, 'Indian team looks strong. I am confident that Rohit will lead India to victory, but I am surprised to see Surya left out of the team. India will miss that X-factor and that too in the middle order. He makes runs all over the field. This is why he is called Mr. 360.' He further said, 'Suriya plays a great sweep shot and is a game changer. He should have been in the team.'
India's squad for the Champions Trophy
Gill India's next superstar On appointing Shubman Gill as vice-captain for the Champions Trophy, Raina said, I think Shubman is India's next superstar. He has done well in ODIs. When you give a young man such a good opportunity, it speaks volumes for his potential.
Rohit Sharma clearly knows who will be the next leader. Shubman is one of the good captains, especially the way he led the Gujarat team in the IPL. The way he has performed in the last 12-16 months justifies this decision. That's why Rohit will open with him, a brilliant move by the selectors and Rohit Sharma himself.
The Champions Trophy will be played from February 19 Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9 in 4 cities of Pakistan and UAE. It includes Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Dubai. All the matches of the Indian team will be played in Dubai. India will face Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai.
Image Credit: Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).