New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced India’s 15-man squad for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. While there weren’t many surprises, few big names which went missing were of Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir.
Raina, who was dropped from BCCI’s annual contracts recently, has been in fine form in the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League where he is ranked third in the list of highest run-scorers.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Raina, who has been named as one of the five stand-by players by the BCCI for the tournament, expressed his disappointment.
“What can I say now? It’s really disappointing and hurting. I was expecting a comeback call this time,” Raina said.
Raina-led Gujarat Lions have had a forgettable season in IPL 2017 where the team has won just four out of 12 matches.
Despite being snubbed by the selectors, Raina said that he would let his bat do the talking and is confident of making a comeback in India’s ODI side.
“I have been performing well and consistently, proving myself in the ongoing IPL season. Certainly it is not on the expected lines but I would let my bat do the talking as I am sure of my comeback in the Indian squad one day,” said Raina, who has been included in the standby list for the upcoming event.
Defending champions India today opted for the tried and tested in their Champions Trophy cricket squad with fit-again Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami returning to the side.
Karnataka batsman Manish Pandey pipped young chinaman Kuldeep Yadav as the 15th member of the touring party.
India will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 4.
Source: Zee News