Rohit, Shami included in India's Champions Trophy squad

Manish Pandey, who hasn't played for the national side in the 50-over format since the series against New Zealand in October a year ago despite being selected for the subsequent one-day series against England, was named in India's 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy announced on Monday (May 8) - a day after the BCCI gave the all-clear to participate in the tournament. He led his team across the finish line with an unbeaten 62 off just 46 balls.

With KL Rahul out of contention, recovering post-surgery, the BCCI appears to have played it safe in picking out of form Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan as the two openers. After a lot of speculation, BCCI seemed to have changed its decision and has chose to send India to play in the Champions Trophy. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, he will also be an important batsman down the order.

"Two years is a long time", Shami said. With the help of Kohli's unbeaten 66, India had chased a meagre 119 off 15.5 overs.

But, there were many players like Nitish Rana, Rishav Pant who have performed well in the IPL but missed on the opportunity to play in the champions trophy.

India have a tough task ahead of the tournament with Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka in their group.

Rohit, Shami included in India's Champions Trophy squad

India has defeated Pakistan in all World Cup games with 11-0 to their scoreboard.

With Suresh Raina looking unfit, Manish Pandey was the expected seventh batsman. Other pacers in the team are Umesh Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah. In addition, to bolster both batting and bowling departments, India have the services the ever-improving Hardik Pandya.

But despite its rude financial health, the board has found itself embroiled in scandals in recent years, including accusations of corruption in the Indian Premier League involving a team linked to its former head Narayanaswami Srinivasan. Meanwhile, Shami, despite being hampered by injuries, has taken 87 wickets in 47 match, at an average of 24.80 and economy 5.54. But with MS Dhoni in the squad, the selectors did not see merit in picking him. His contribution as keeper can not be matched.

"We all believe that he is still the best wicket-keeper in the world". He has not been in his best form and his average of 38.54 in England will be the biggest concern for the Indian team. Prasad said the selectors seriously considered Kuldeep too before he was put on the standby list.

Pant, 19, was named among five players kept on standby, along with Suresh Raina, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur and Dinesh Karthik.