Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns about the absence of key batters from the national team’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
While there has been a lot of criticism on the Indian selection panel for snubbing several players who have performed in domestic cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin has lamented the absence of left-handers in the top seven batters.
“This template mirrors the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed,” said Ashwin in an interview.
“Then there’s Virat Kohli [at number three]. Shreyas Iyer will likely bat at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup.
“KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it’s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7.”
According to Ashwin, India’s likely Playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 lacks the left-right combination.
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“We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,” said Ashwin.
The former cricketer urged to utilise the form Jaiswal carried through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and make him open with Rohit Sharma in the Champions Trophy 2025.
“Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured,” he further stated. “He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries?”
“One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5.
“If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalise on Jaiswal’s current form.”
The Men In Blue are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. They will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.
India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja
*Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad is subject to his fitness.
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