Ravindra Jadeja to be axed? Washington Sundar's selection backed for IND vs NZ CT 2025 match

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif made a bold prediction about the Rohit Sharma-led team's playing XI for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match. Mohammad Kaif backed off-spinner Washington Sundar's inclusion despite missing the first two matches in the ongoing tournament.

Washington Sundar is part of India’s Champions Trophy squad. However, he has not played in the first two group-stage matches. The team management opted for Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav in the spin department. Varun Chakravarthy has also remained on the bench for both games.

India Set to Take on New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday

India started their Champions Trophy campaign with back-to-back wins against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Rohit Sharma and his team have already secured a spot in the semi-finals. The Men in Blue now have an opportunity to top the Group A table by defeating New Zealand in their final group-stage match.

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India will lock horns with the Mitchell Santner-led team at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, March 2. The India cricket team will play their semi-final match on March 4. With just a one-day gap between the two matches, India might rest a few players for the group-stage match.

It's Not a Bad Idea to Play Washington Sundar - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif said that India should consider playing Washington Sundar against New Zealand, which has several left-handers in the lineup. Kaif also said that New Zealand could be India’s opponent in the final, adding that it is worth picking Sundar for the group-stage match.

"It's not a bad idea to play Washington Sundar against a NZ side full of lefties - Conway, Rachin, Latham, Bracewell, Santner. They could well be our final opponent. So worth testing them against Washington," Kaif wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

It's not a bad idea to play Washington Sundar against a NZ side full of lefties - Conway, Rachin, Latham, Bracewell, Santner. They could well be our final opponent. So worth testing them against Washington.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 27, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja might be rested for the next match if Sundar plays. He has not been at his best with the ball in the Champions Trophy so far. He went wicketless in the opening game against Bangladesh, conceding 37 runs in nine overs.

The veteran spinner picked up one wicket for 40 runs in seven overs against Pakistan. It is worth mentioning that Jadeja didn't get a chance to bat in the first two matches.

Concerns Over Mohammed Shami's Fitness Ahead of Knockout Stage

There are concerns about Mohammed Shami’s fitness despite his impressive return to international cricket. He took a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. However, he struggled while bowling in the last match. To ensure he remains fully fit, India might consider resting him for the game against New Zealand.

In the 2025 Champions Trophy, Shami recorded figures of 5/53 in 10 overs against Bangladesh but went wicketless against Pakistan, conceding 43 runs in eight overs. He also left the field briefly due to a calf issue after his initial spell. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is a strong candidate to replace Shami.

Also read: Rohit Sharma to sit out of India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy match; replacements finalized