ICC Champions Trophy 2017: 5 Players Who Can Lead India’s Second String Team (If BCCI Decides To Send One!) In England
Feb 9, 2019 at 3:16 PM
With the BCCI and ICC involved in a tussle over the newly-implemented revenue model that is set to cost India a major chunk of the revenue they used to earn under the ‘Big Three’ model, speculations are rife over India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy.
The BCCI has already crossed the April 25 deadline to announce the squad for the tournament and nothing has been finalised yet on Team India’s participation in the showpiece event.
Recent media reports have suggested that the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators are against boycotting the tournament but at the same time, they are also not willing to bow down in front of the ICC. In such a scenario, it is very much likely that the BCCI might send a second string side. Moreover, the fact that all of India’s matches are already sold out at the tournament, it may prompt the officials to send a team consisting of second string players. And if that happens, then the likes of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are highly unlikely to be a part of the squad and thus the management would have to look for a new captain.
As of now, nothing is clear yet but here are 5 players who can lead the team in the absence of the regular skipper and other big names:
5. Karun Nair:
The Karnataka batsman, who had grabbed the headlines after becoming only the second Indian player to score a triple century in Tests, has played just a couple of One-Day Internationals so far but he can be a contender to lead the side in the absence of big names.
A proven performer in the domestic circuit, the right-handed batsman is also leading Delhi Daredevils in the ongoing IPL in the absence of Zaheer Khan and recently led the capital-based outfit to an impressive victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
4. Manish Pandey:
Another highly-rated player who is still trying to cement his spot in the national team, Manish Pandey can be another contender for donning the captain’s armband in England.
The right-handed batsman made his ODI debut in July 2015, six years after becoming the first Indian to score a century in IPL. However, he marked his arrival at the international stage six months later when he scored a match-winning century to guide India to a thrilling win over Australia in Sydney.
In 12 ODIs so far, he has amassed 261 runs at an impressive average of over 43 and can be a good option to lead the second string side.
3. Harbhajan Singh:
The veteran off-spinner is no more regular in the Indian team but is surely a good option to lead the second string team. One of the most experienced players around, Harbhajan last played for India in the 2016 Asia Cup against the United Arab Emirates.
So far, he has played 236 ODIs in addition to playing 103 Tests and 28 T20Is. Moreover, he also has a little bit captaincy experience as he led Mumbai Indians for a brief period of time.
2. Suresh Raina:
Another top contender for the captain’s post is Suresh Raina. The left-handed batsman, who was not awarded a central contract, last played an ODI in 2015. He was picked in the squad for the New Zealand series last year but could not play a single game due to illness.
But with all the first choice players likely to sit out in case a second string side is sent to England, Raina can get the much-needed match time at the highest stage. Moreover, his experience also makes him a prime contender to lead the side.
He has led the Indian Team in the past too. In 2011 and 2014, he led a second string side to victories against West Indies and Bangladesh respectively. He is currently leading Gujarat Lions in the IPL and captained them to the top of the table in the last season
1. Gautam Gambhir:
Gautam Gambhir is arguably the best man to lead the second string side in England. The southpaw played his last ODI way back in 2013 but his current form in the IPL might earn him an India recall. And if it happens, he can be the front-runner to lead the team.
He was handed the India captaincy in the past too when he led the side to a 5-0 win over New Zealand in 2010. He is also one of the most successful skippers in the history of IPL. Under him, Kolkata Knight Riders have won the IPL twice and are looking a strong contender to lift the trophy this season too.