New Delhi, April 24: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has picked up his probale India XI for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
; KL Rahul out of CT 2017" />CT 2017 schedule; KL Rahul out of CT 2017
Clarke who is in India as part of the commentator's panel in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 feels the defending champions are capable enough to defend their title. (List of commentators for CT 2017)
In an interview to India Today, Clarke revealed his squad for Team India for the upcoming ICC tournament to be held in England and Wales.
The tournament will begin on June 1 and India will play their first game against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 4.
According to Clarke in regular opener KL Rahul's absence, Team India should go with Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma as openers.
"I think if KL Rahul is not completely fit, India will not pick him. It is a big loss but India have got replacements. I think Rohit Sharma needs to play and open for India. And then I think the selectors will go for Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane's technique if the ball is swinging is conducive to England, he is a good player of both fast and spin and offers a lot on the field," said Clarke.
Followed by skipper Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni at no. 3, 4, and 5 respectively. Impressed with the performances of Kedar Jadhav and Manish Pandey, Clarked picked them up in his choice of squad.
"No brainer at No.3... Virat Kohli as captain, Yuvraj Singh at No.4. I think Yuvraj has earned his place, he is experienced. I would go with MS Dhoni at No.5. He is experienced and he's still the best keeper in the Indian team. At No.6, I would pick Manish Pandey and then Kedar Jadhav at No.7," he added.
"Ashwin and Jadeja will be my two spinners and my four quicks would be Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who continues to show that he can play in all three formats. Then it's Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami," he further added.
Clarke, however, didn't pick up opener Shikhar Dhawan, middle-order batsman Suresh Raina, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and veteran pacer Ashish Nehra.
Here's Clarke's India squad:
Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli (C), Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami.
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