I’m not biased but Gambhir highly: Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal axed in India’s Champions Trophy

Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed his picks for India’s Champions Trophy XI, opting for KL Rahul and Shubman Gill over Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Ashwin expressed that India should have included an additional seam-bowling all-rounder, such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, instead of relying on three finger-spinning all-rounders for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The 15-member squad, selected by the Ajit Agarkar-led committee, closely resembles the team that participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup at home. However, the notable difference is the absence of an extra seam bowler. While Shardul Thakur served as a backup earlier, this time India has opted for Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. Given the balance of the team, it appears likely that only one among Sundar, Axar, and Jadeja will feature in the playing XI unless India chooses to replace Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spinner.

Ashwin Questions India’s Squad Balance for Champions Trophy 2025

That is where Ashwin believes seam bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy could have come in handy. “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,” Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

Also Read: James Vince slams ECB for favouring IPL over PSL

“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.”

Also Read: IND vs ENG पहले टी20 के लिए भारतीय प्लेइंग 11 का संभावित चयन

Ashwin says the only scenario in which Sundar can play is that if India decide to pick him for batting skills, which he says has impressed head coach Gautam Gambhir a lot. “Another scenario involves Washington Sundar. I’m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater.

Also read:School day changes to be proposed across all levels of Naperville 203 instruction