ICC Champions Trophy 2025: “I’m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir...": Ravichandran Ashwin names India XI with shocking exclusions
Published - 22 Jan 2025, 04:19 PM | Updated - 22 Jan 2025, 04:26 PM
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Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns about India's squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Former Indian off-spinner has boldly claimed that the India National Cricket Team missed a trick by not including a seam-bowling all-rounder like Nitish Kumar Reddy for the event.
India opted for three finger-spinning all-rounders—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar—while leaving out an extra seam-bowling option for the upcoming tournament.
The former Indian all-rounder believes that the absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder could limit the flexibility of the India National Cricket Team, especially if only one among Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Ravindran Jadeja makes it to the Playing XI at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Ravichandran Ashwin says lack of seam-bowling all-rounder could hurt India's flexibility at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin reckoned that a player like Nitish Kumar Reddy could have balanced the team better and added depth for the upcoming multi-nation tournament, which is set to get underway on February 19 in Pakistan with India playing its games in Dubai, UAE.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “Does it make sense to have a player like Nitish Reddy in the scheme of things? If Kuldeep plays at 9, it’s two pacers and three spinners. With Nitish, he could bat at 8, allowing Kuldeep at 9 and two fast bowlers. This would provide the luxury of four fast bowlers and two spinners. I don’t know if he was considered. Kuldeep is a lock at No. 9, as the primary spinner. Among the finger spinners, I think one fast bowler could have been accommodated. I’m sure there were discussions.”
Ashwin also said that Washington Sundar's inclusion in the playing XI will totally depend on India’s call to pick him on his batting abilities, and Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir is his fan, so he is most likely to play in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, but he wants him at No. 8.
'Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington Sundar'
He explained, “I’m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington Sundar due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater. If you follow the World Cup format, you play either Jaddu or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik’s all-round skills.”
The ace off-spinner has warned India against playing Washington Sundar at number 7, as it could weaken the batting lineup, saying he should bat at number 8. However, if dew becomes a big factor, having Sundar at 8 might not work, and in that case, Kuldeep Yadav might take that spot, and India could opt for an all-seam attack with Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami.
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will be the likely openers for India at the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, followed by Virat Kohli at number 3 and Shreyas Iyer at number 4. Ashwin feels KL Rahul is expected to bat at number 5.
However, the Tamil Nadu spinner predicted that there would be a toss-up for the sixth position between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, with Hardik Pandya slotting in at number 7 for the upcoming tournament.
However, Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t pick Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant in his playing XI for the CT 2025. He also boldly claimed that Yashasvi Jaiswal might get a chance only if a player gets injured or if India decides to capitalize on his impressive form.
Here's Ravichandran Ashwin's India XI for the Champions Trophy 2025:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja/Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah.
