The countdown for the ICC Champions Trophy started as soon as Australia humbled India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The focus is now on the white-ball cricket, with 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs against England also approaching. Simultaneously, the BCCI selectors have one eye on the ongoing domestic tournament as well, with the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) entering the business end. On Saturday, January 11, we have the commencement of the quarterfinals of India’s premier domestic 50-over tourney. The focus will surely be on the candidates who will be up for contention in Indian ODI squads for the ENG series and, of course for the Champions Trophy. Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh and Ruturaj Gaikwad would be keen to prove their form.
Quarter-finals on Jan 11
- Maharashtra vs Punjab
- Karnataka vs Baroda
Hardik Pandya & Arshdeep Singh: Must-haves for ICC Champions Trophy
All-rounder Hardik Pandya will be a key player to watch as he lines up for Baroda. Hardik, who hasn’t been a regular feature in India’s recent ODI campaigns, will look to use this opportunity to re-establish himself in the one-day setup. He last played an ODI for India way back during the ICC World Cup in a group stage match against Bangladesh. It was the same fixture where he picked up an injury that ended his campaign.
Pandya’s bowling fitness will be a major focus, as India will need his services as a pace-bowling all-rounder for both the England series and the Champions Trophy. It will be interesting if he plays all the five T20Is against England. After all, his fitness will be of utmost importance at the mega ICC event.
Arshdeep Singh a dark horse for Champions Trophy?
Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh’s impressive showing in this tournament, where he leads the wicket charts with 17 scalps in just 6 games, has bolstered his chances of cementing a spot in India’s ODI side. Known primarily for his T20 prowess, Arshdeep’s ability to adapt to the longer white-ball format will be under scrutiny during Punjab’s knockout fixtures. With dark clouds over Shami and Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, Arshdeep could be the dark horse pick India need.
The young pacer will be keen to continue his red-hot form when the IND vs ENG series starts. While it is expected that quite a few seniors might be rested for the series, it is now or never for Arshdeep to shine. Another great performance here against Maharashtra would make it impossible to get ignored.
What about Ruturaj Gaikwad?
Unfortunately for him, things are not as rosy for Gaikwad. Unlike Pandya and Arshdeep, he isn’t a strong candidate. But you never know if BCCI does try to give him another chance in any of the white-ball series against England. The ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy hasn’t been as exciting for Gaikwad, who has made 182 in 5 games. Mind you, 148 of these runs came in a single match only. He will have to counter Arshdeep threat in the quarter-final and would hope for a stupendous show in order to atract eyeballs.
Knockouts for Vijay Hazare Trophy
| Date | Stage | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 11 | Quarterfinal 3 | Maharashtra vs Punjab |
| Jan. 11 | Quarterfinal 4 | Karnataka vs Baroda |
| Jan. 12 | Quarterfinal 1 | Gujarat vs Haryana |
| Jan. 12 | Quarterfinal 2 | Vidarbha vs Rajasthan |
| Jan. 15 | Semifinal 1 | Winner of QF 1 vs Winner of QF 4 |
| Jan. 16 | Semifinal 2 | Winner of QF 2 vs Winner of QF 3 |
| Jan. 18 | Final | To be decided |
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