The last team of India for the ICC Champions trophy, starting from February 19, arose a few surprises when selection framework Jasprit Bumrah was chased for the tournament because of his back injury, while Harshit Rana replaced him in the team. Opening Batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was part of the team in the earlier selection, was dropped as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wanted to make room for the recording of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Allegedly the changes were reportedly to the recommendation of head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In total, India now takes five spinners to Dubai for the Champions trophy, while the number of pacers in the team is only three. Former India Cricketer Aakash Chopra raised quite a few valid questions as he shared his opinion about the selection of players for the ICC event.
“I thought the absence of Bumrah selectors will force Siraj to choose. Have 4 pacers in the team. It is also interesting to note how fast the plan to play Yashasvi in the XI for Iyer is left … in the Mate that Yasasvi is not even part of the CT team, “he said in a message about X (formerly Twitter).
I thought the absence of Bumrah will force selectors to choose Siraj. Have 4 pacers in the team.
It is also interesting to note how fast the plan to play Yashasvi in the XI for Iyer is left … to the extent that Yashasvi is not part of the CT team.– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 12, 2025
Chopra does not feel that India needed five spinners for the Champions trophy, especially taking into account the fact that the team will play its matches in Dubai, a location that has lately helped statistically spinners.
“India has chosen 5 spinners for Champions Trophy. Five. Sharjah would be an ideal location for this team. Spin to win. Dubai? Not so sure. Spinners didn't help that much … ever. I really I really hope That Kuldeep is not benched for Varun.
India has chosen 5 Spinners for Champions Trophy. FIVE.
Sharjah would be an ideal location for this team. Turn to win.
Dubai ?? Not so sure. Spinners did not help that surface … ever.
I also really hope that Kuldeep is not benched for Varun. Play both if you have to … but …– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 12, 2025
Even in the batting unit, the India team looks a bit thin with the removal of Jaiswal. RISHABH Pant, according to the playing XI for the 2nd ODI against England, remains the only 'cover' in the batting unit.
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