IPL 10 a gateway for few Indian batsman to Champions Trophy

ByShashi ,SportsCafe Editor

03/21/2017

IPL10 is round the corner and provides a perfect platform for a few Indian batsmen who are looking to make their way into India's Champions Trophy squad in June. And given that India don’t play any ODI’s in the run up to the CL, the IPL could prove decisive for these few players.

IPL 10 starts in a few weeks from now and is set to capture the nation's attention. The IPL has always been known for producing quality cricketers not just for India, but also to the world Cricket. And it won't be any different, this time around, either. Moreover, this season's IPL performances are also going to decide the fate of some Indian players, ahead of the all-important Champions League in June.

Not only are performances in the IPL are always held in high regard, there is always more focus on it among players, fans and selectors alike. Some players have also used the tournament as a platform to make a comeback into their national sides, in the past, and with a spot in the Champions League in the offing, it's time for some Indian players to make the most of this opportunity.

Though the Indian squad looks settled on the surface, there are still a few places to which much- needed depth can be added. Here are 5 players who will be looking to cement their spot in the Indian lineup, through this year's IPL:

1. Suresh Raina

The veteran all-rounder who has represented India in 223 ODIs till date, finds himself in a spot of bother in the present ODI squad and it hasn't been easy going for the left-hander throughout his career as he has been in and out for most of the time.

The short ball theory against the 30-year-old is an age-old concern, but his experience in the game and handy off spin were always used as vital option by Dhoni. Now, though, things have changed a lot more with Kedar Jadhav making most of his opportunities and he stands in Raina's way of making a comeback to the Indian squad.

Although Raina who hadn't been considered for England Series, could make a claim for a spot in the 15 member squad and benefit from Manish Pandey’s slump form in recent times, but in order to make into the squad Raina has to make more than a statement in the upcoming IPL season.

2. Manish Pandey

The right-handed batsman who was known for big knocks in IPL and in first class cricket hasn't been able to replicate the same at the international stage apart from a couple of innings in his short career so far.

While his ability to turn things on it's head in big matches stands out and his maiden ton in Sydney against Australia is an example of that, Manish Pandey didn't score many runs in the New Zealand series as a result of that, lost his place in playing XI to Yuvraj Singh for the England Series.

So, now, the IPL stands as a platform for the 27 year old to able to make it to the Champions trophy squad, if he doesn't make an impact for Kolkata Knight Riders, it will be obvious that the selectors will overlook the Karnataka batsman.

3. Shikhar Dhawan

The left-handed opening batsman who was the man of the tournament and leading run scorer in the 2013 Champions Trophy finds himself in a tricky position even after averaging 42 in 76 ODI's played, till date.

The opener, most of the times, has gotten away with poor form, being a left-handed batsman, but his omissions from the Test and T20 squads are an early signal for the Delhi batsman to reconsider his form in ODI Cricket, as well. And his mediocre performances in the New Zealand and England Series' put his spot in danger.

Dhawan may not make it into the Playing XI as easily as he did earlier, with Kl Rahul turning out be a huge prospect for India across formats. Dhawan has to face Rahane for the 3rd opener's slot in the squad and his performance in IPL 10 will prove decisive for Gabbar.

4. Ajinkya Rahane

The classy Mumbai batsman who is known to be the pillar of Indian squad in longer format hasn't been able to replicate the same in the shorter format, thus far, despite appearing in 72 ODI's.

But Rahane was a bit unlucky with the way he was jumbled up and down in the batting order. Although Rahane hasn't made a mark at the top, either, where he has batted in most of the games. While recent form stands against the right-handed batsman as he was also not able make most of his opportunities, in absence of regular openers.

For Rahaneit's not only runs in this IPL but at the rate which he scores, that determines whether he hangs onto the spot for the reserve opener, as compared to Dhawan.

5. Rishabh Pant

The name may surprise to a few, but the newly appointed Delhi Captain was not far away from making the national squad and his debut in the England T20I Series, is a glimpse of what is to come in ODI Cricket as well.

Though Rishabh may not have replicated his Ranji Trophy form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the rate at which he scores tempts everyone to pick him for the squad, as his average stands at 61, at a strike rate of 101 in 11 first class games.

While Pant can be used as reserve wicket keeper in the squad, to his added batting ability with the bat and his scoring rate make him flexible to bat any position in the order. If he makes handful of runs this season for the Delhi franchise, his call may not be too far away.

IPL 10 a gateway for few Indian batsman to Champions Trophy

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