ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Dodda Ganesh attacks ex-selector for questioning KL Rahul's place in India squad

Former India batter and ex-national selector Jatin Paranjpe was critical of KL Rahul's inclusion in the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh came in support of KL Rahul and justified his selection for the 50-over event, beginning next month.

On Saturday, January 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the 15-member squad for the upcoming event. Rohit Sharma, who led India to the T20 World Cup 2024, has been named as the captain of the team. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the squad, subject to his fitness.

KL Rahul Is Lucky to Be in the Squad - Jatin Paranjpe

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have been selected as the two wicketkeepers for the squad. KL Rahul, known for his consistent performances in the format, has earned his spot, while Pant has performed reasonably well. Sanju Samson has not been included in the squad despite being in exceptional form in T20Is.

Following the squad announcement, Jatin Paranjpe shared his thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter). He stated that Rahul is lucky to have secured a place in the India squad.

"KL Rahul is lucky to be in the squad," Jatin Paranjpe wrote on X.

KL Rahul Is Very Lucky to Be in the Squad - Dodda Ganesh

Dodda Ganesh responded to criticism surrounding Rahul's inclusion in the squad. He defended Rahul by highlighting his impressive average of 57 as a wicketkeeper-batter at No. 5 in ODIs.

"Yes. KL Rahul is very lucky to be in the squad. After all he averages only 57 as a WK batter at no 5 #ChampionsTrophy2025," Dodda Ganesh tweeted.

Yes. KL Rahul is very lucky to be in the squad. After all he averages only 57 as a WK batter at no 5 #ChampionsTrophy2025 https://t.co/Ys92zaRrVG

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) January 19, 2025

The Karnataka-born cricketer last played for India during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he scored 276 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.66, including two fifties.

Australia won the series 3-1, securing a place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa. India missed out on the WTC final for the first time and lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in 10 years.

Rahul and I Played Key Middle-Order Role - Shreyas Iyer

Spelling correction: Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Iyer said that he's ready to bat anywhere in the order. Reflecting on the ODI World Cup 2023, Iyer said he and KL Rahul played an important role in the middle-order.

Iyer said, “I'm flexible and ready to bat anywhere in the batting order… KL (Rahul) and I, we played that important role in the middle during the World Cup. We had a great season together."

“It was just the last bit (the final against Australia) that we couldn't execute the way we wanted to. It will be a proud moment for me if I were to be picked in the Champions Trophy (squad) to represent the country," he added.

Also read: IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant beats Nicholas Pooran to secure LSG captaincy