Team India's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy was announced on Saturday with captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressing the media through a press conference. Shubman Gill's appointment as vice-captain was one of the main talking points, while Jasprit Bumrah was provisionally included despite injury concerns. However, Vijay Hazare Trophy running machine Karun Nair was overlooked despite scoring 752 runs in seven innings. The selection decisions divided opinion on social media, with fans not hesitating to voice their opinions on the 15-man side.
Shubman Gill was confirmed as vice-captain for the Champions Trophy, continuing the role from India's previous ODI series against Sri Lanka.
“A slap in the face to haters and illogical audiences who mixed up formats,” said one passionate fan of Gill's appointment.
Meanwhile, the decision not to include Karun Nair has not gone down well with several sections of the fanbase, who feel the 33-year-old should have been rewarded for his purple patch.
“Karun Nair deserves a place. Don't agree with what Ajit said. Players are scoring runs, they should be given a chance,” said another user.
Shubman Gill as vice-captain of the Indian team in an ICC event at the age of 25
A slap in the face to haters and illogical audiences who were mixing formats.
I'm really happy for your brother. Now make it count for yourself and your country #ShubmanGill #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/fgXbxD7w9a
— Sakib Shabir (@sakibhabir44) January 18, 2025
At least why Karun Nair is not present in your consideration. Have you announced the staff of reserved players or not?
— Shivang Kaushik (@Shivangkaushik3) January 18, 2025
Karun Nair deserves a spot. Don't agree with what Ajit said. Players score runs, they should be given a chance. There are players on this team who have not performed. Time to bring in young blood or players like Sanju and Karun
— Sri Primo (@sri_sri93) January 18, 2025
Looks like a very balanced team, there should be very few in it, but again only 11 can play!
All the best #TeamIndia. Jeet ka aao!
— InsightCrate (@insightcrate) January 18, 2025
The two biggest names India left out were wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and pacer Mohammed Siraj. The latter was not even chosen as a backup to Jasprit Bumrah, with Harshit Rana fulfilling that requirement for the England series.
Having been a regular in white-ball cricket for a few years, the decision to rule out Siraj altogether caused intrigue among the supporters.
“As of January 1, 2022, Siraj is the third highest wicket-taker in the ODI format. He claims he has 71 wickets yet he is nowhere near the lineup for the tournament, something that is difficult to understand,” said one user.
Some fans were happy with the squad and wished Team India the best for the Champions Trophy.
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