ICC Champions Trophy 2025- Dinesh Karthik rips apart Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir for...

Former Team India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has questioned the selection of five spinners in the Rohit Sharma-led team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Karthik stated that the inclusion of an additional spinner in place of an opener reflects some uncertainty in the team’s selection process.

India had four spinners, namely Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, in their provisional squad. In a last-minute change, they added a fifth spinner. Varun Chakravarthy replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Harshit Rana replaced the injured Jasprit Bumrah in the final squad.

Now 5 Spinners, I Personally Feel, Is a Bit Too Much - Dinesh Karthik

Several former cricketers and analysts have raised concerns over India's squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Dinesh Karthik also questioned the decision to include five spinners in the squad.

Speaking on Cricbuzz’s HeyCB with DK show, Karthik stated that four spinners would have been sufficient. However, he added that the team wouldn’t be too worried about their opening options, as KL Rahul can step in if needed.

“First thing, let’s address the two openers. I believe if, in case one of them gets injured, Yashasvi (Jaiswal) can always come in if there needs to be a replacement or if it’s just for a match, then KL Rahul can always open. It’s not a problem. So that they’re not going to be too worried about," Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz’s HeyCB with DK show.

"Now 5 spinners, I personally feel, is a bit too much. They could have done with 4, I felt. And that’s where I do think it shows a little bit of, not confusion, which is probably a strong word, but not being very sure of what exactly to do because they announced a squad and then they added another spinner for an opener," he added.

Mohammed Siraj Could Have Been the Ideal Choice - Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik, who was part of the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squad, opened up about Harshit Rana's inclusion ahead of Mohammed Siraj as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement. Karthik said that Siraj would have been the more experienced option, but the team management has more confidence in Harshit.

“Look, if you had to go with experience, then yes, Siraj could have been the ideal choice, but I thought Harshit bowled very well against England. What I feel is the Indian camp is very impressed with Harshit Rana. I think Harshit Rana was the debate, but I feel Team India backs him right now more than Siraj," Karthik said.

India Start as Favorites for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Title

India will enter the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the favorites to win the tournament, which begins on February 19 with a match between defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. Rohit Sharma's team is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. They will take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on February 23. Their final group-stage match will be against New Zealand on March 2. The ICC Champions Trophy returned to the cricket calendar after an eight-year hiatus.

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