Suryakumar Yadav kicked out of India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad claims former Indian cricketer

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has made shocking remarks about middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav's future in the ODI format and his spot in India's squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Aakash Chopra highlighted that Suryakumar Yadav won't be featured in India's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which is set to be played in Pakistan in 2025.

Suryakumar Yadav has been named India's T20I captain over all-rounder Hardik Pandya for the upcoming three-match series in Sri Lanka. However, Surya hasn't been included in the ODI squad. It’s worth mentioning that India will play only six ODIs, including the Sri Lanka tour, before the Champions Trophy 2025.

In a pre-departure press conference, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar revealed that Suryakumar Yadav was not considered for the ODI squad. He stated that the team management is satisfied with Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant in the middle order. Agarkar said that Yadav will be part of the T20I squad.

Suryakumar Yadav Won't Be Seen There - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated that new head coach Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar indicated that Suryakumar Yadav is currently not part of the ODI plans. Chopra mentioned that Yadav is unlikely to be selected for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

"Suryakumar Yadav was a part of the team that reached the final of the last (2023 ODI) World Cup. He was part of this (2024 T20) World Cup as well, the (David Miller) catch he took but he is now not part of the ODI team," Chopra said.

"A question was asked about that and he said that Suryakumar Yadav is a phenomenal and special player but he will be seen playing in T20Is only and is currently not being considered in ODIs. So if he is not being considered and the Champions Trophy is about to come, you can assume that Suryakumar Yadav won't be seen there," he added.

Suryakumar Yadav hasn't played in ODIs since the 2023 World Cup final, where India lost against Australia. The right-handed batter scored 18 runs off 28 balls during the final in Ahmedabad. He has played 37 ODI matches for the Men in Blue, scoring 773 runs at an average of 25.76, including four half-centuries.

Shubman Gill Will Be Seen There - Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that Shubman Gill is highly likely to be India's vice-captain during the Champions Trophy. Chopra noted that Gill's proven ability across formats further supports his role as vice-captain.

"However, Shubman Gill will be seen there. He (Agarkar) said that he (Gill) is a three-format player and Gautam (Gambhir) believes it's not a bad thing if he can get three-format players. They have also liked his captaincy in the IPL and against Zimbabwe, and that's why he has been made the ODI vice-captain," Chopra further stated.

Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain for India's T20I and ODI squads on their tour to Sri Lanka. The opening batter recently led the national team to a 4-1 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe. India will tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs, with the first T20I scheduled to be played in Pallekele on July 27.

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