ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ravichandran Ashwin raises 'Serious' questions on team India's selections

Off-spinning legend Ravichandran Ashwin raised concerns over India's thinking behind selecting five spinners in their 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Ashwin said that the selectors usually pick 3 or 4 spinners, adding that he was not comfortable with the changes to the provisional squad.

Four spinners – Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav – were included in the provisional squad. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, replaced batter Yashasvi Jaiswal with another spinner, Varun Chakravarthy after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

What I Don't Understand is the Number of Spinners - Ravichandran Ashwin

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin questioned the logic behind selecting five spinners for the Champions Trophy squad. He stated that it would be difficult to fit Varun Chakravarthy into the playing XI with the current combination.

"What I don't understand is the number of spinners we are taking to Dubai. 5 spinners and we have made Yashasvi Jaiswal sit out. Yeah, I understand that we take 3 or 4 spinners for a tour. But five spinners in Dubai? I don't know. I think we are one spinner too many if not two," Ashwin said.

"The two left-arm spinners are your best all-rounders alongside Hardik Pandya. So both Axar and Jadeja are going to play. Hardik will also play and Kuldeep will play. If you want Varun Chakravarthy in the team, then you will have to make a pacer sit out and use Hardik as your second pacer. Else, you will have to drop a spinner to bring in a 3rd seamer," he added.

Kuldeep Yadav Will Walk into the Team - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin questioned how Varun Chakravarthy would be included, especially since Kuldeep Yadav is expected to play every match. Ashwin remained unsure about the team's composition, particularly with their heavy reliance on spinners.

"I don't think there is any doubt that Kuldeep Yadav will walk into the team. So how will you make space for Varun? Is he bowling well? Of course. Either you bring in Varun and Kuldeep as a duo, which I feel would be good. But my question is, in Dubai, are you expecting the ball to turn? I feel a bit uncomfortable with the team," said Ravichandran Ashwin.

India Had Played with Four Spinners During the Home T20I Series

India recently played with four spinners during the home T20I series against England, but it’s unclear whether they will adopt a similar approach in the 50-over format. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are likely to be automatic selections, leaving only one spot open for either Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy.

India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. The Rohit Sharma-led team will begin their campaign on February 20 in Dubai with a match against Bangladesh. Notably, the Men in Blue will head straight into the tournament without any practice matches.

Also read: Chennai Super Kings take a brutal dig at RCB after Rajat Patidar’s captaincy announcement