India Champions Trophy Squad Shocking Selections: Siraj’s Exclusion & Two More Surprises
India has announced their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It begins on February 19 in Dubai. Rohit Sharma will captain the Men in Blue. He’ll lead a team of familiar stars and some surprising choices. The squad has some expected names. But, some selections have sparked debates among fans and experts.
From Mohammed Siraj’s shocking omission to the absence of seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy, here are three surprising calls made by the selectors for the marquee tournament.
Mohammed Siraj’s Exclusion
The biggest surprise in the Champions Trophy squad is leaving out Mohammed Siraj. He is one of India’s most consistent bowlers. Siraj has played in all formats. He was key to India’s 2023 World Cup and Asia Cup campaigns, where he took a match-winning final spell.
With 71 wickets in 43 ODI innings at an impressive average of 24.04, Siraj’s numbers speak for themselves. However, his recent form has been inconsistent. He took 11 wickets in his last 8 matches. Despite this, his experience in high-pressure situations would have been invaluable.
Arshdeep Singh has been named in his place. Arshdeep has promise in T20Is. But, he is inexperienced in ODIs, with just 8 matches and 12 wickets. This could be a risk in the Champions Trophy. The choice of Arshdeep over Siraj raises questions. This is a tournament known for its pace-friendly conditions.
Nitish Reddy’s Omission
Another surprising call is the omission of Nitish Reddy, a rising star in Indian cricket. Reddy has impressed in T20Is and Tests in his debut series. He is a rare, seam-bowling all-rounder. This skillset is vital for balancing the team, especially in tournaments where flexibility is key.
Hardik Pandya is India’s only seam-bowling all-rounder in the Champions Trophy. So, Reddy’s absence is even more significant. If Hardik got injured, like in the 2023 World Cup, India’s team could struggle.
Reddy could bat and bowl. This would have given the team more options to adapt to different conditions. Moreover, his potential to bat anywhere from No. 4 to No. 7 makes him a versatile choice. He could have strengthened India’s middle-order depth.
Rishabh Pant Over Sanju Samson
Choosing Rishabh Pant as the backup wicketkeeper over Sanju Samson has raised eyebrows. KL Rahul, given his consistent performances, was the obvious first-choice keeper-batter. However, the selection of Pant, who has yet to establish himself in ODIs, has sparked debates.
Pant averages 33.50 in ODIs, a number that pales in comparison to Samson’s impressive average of 56.66. Samson has also shown versatility, delivering runs from No. 3 to No. 7 in the batting order. Despite fewer opportunities, he has nearly as many fifties as Pant in half the innings.
Pant’s inclusion is likely due to his left-handed batting. It adds variety to the lineup. Also, he has succeeded in Test cricket. However, Samson’s ability to adapt and his strong ODI form make him the more deserving candidate.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad mixes experience with fresh talent. But, fans and experts are questioning some choices. They are upset by the omission of key players, like Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Reddy. They also dislike Rishabh Pant’s selection over Sanju Samson.
The final squad is full of match-winners. But, these surprising calls show the tough choices selectors face. They must balance talent, form, and team dynamics. We will know if these decisions pay off once the tournament starts on February 19 in Dubai.
