On Monday, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah declared that “seniors will be there” in both the Champions Trophy of the following year and, if India qualify, the World Test Championship final. Hardik Pandya’s succession to Rohit Sharma as the T20 captain will be decided by the selectors alone.
Speaking to a small group of reporters here, Shah praised the role played by veteran players in the team’s victory in the T20 World Cup, following which captain Rohit, veteran batting sensation Virat Kohli, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja declared their retirement from international cricket.
“Transition has already happened with three greats retiring,” Shah said when asked about his thoughts on the team’s next phase following the retirement of the seasoned trio.
“The way this team is progressing, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there,” he added.
This implies that senior players will probably be available for India’s nine ODI matches before the Champions Trophy, which is slated to take place in Pakistan in February and March, provided they remain fit.
Prior to that, India had three ODI matches each against England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
On Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance in the World Cup and chances of him taking over captaincy from Rohit in the T20 format, Shah said: “Captaincy will be decided by the selectors and we will announce it after discussing with them.
“You asked about Hardik, there were lot of questions over his form but we and selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself.”
Pandya served as Rohit’s deputy in the format.
India ended a torturous 11-year streak in which the team was unable to win an ICC championship.
The trophy drought was finally broken here, and Shah believed the winning streak would continue after losing two ICC finals in the previous 12 months.
“I would want India to win all the titles. We have the biggest bench strength, only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. We can field three teams if the need arises,” he said.
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