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Former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan have revealed their preferences for India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. This announcement came as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sought an extension from the ICC due to uncertainties around key players Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.
Sunil Gavaskar emphasized the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul for their impressive recent performances. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant were also backed for their significant contributions in limited-overs cricket.
Batting Choices and Middle-Order Core
Sunil Gavaskar strongly supports Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul for the middle-order. He believes these players have proven their worth, especially in the recent 50-over World Cup. Gavaskar also highlighted Sanju Samson for his consistency in scoring centuries for India.
- No. 4 Position: Shreyas Iyer
- No. 5 Position: KL Rahul
- No. 6 Position: Rishabh Pant
According to Gavaskar, these players form the backbone of India’s batting lineup, providing stability and experience.
Bowling Strategy: Spin and Pace
Irfan Pathan’s picks reflect a balance between spin and pace. He prefers Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as the main spinners. In the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are his first choices, with Mohammed Siraj as the third pacer.
Spin Duo:
- Ravindra Jadeja: Known for his all-round abilities, Jadeja brings depth in both batting and bowling.
- Kuldeep Yadav: His wrist spin is crucial for breaking partnerships and controlling the middle overs.
Pace Trio:
- Jasprit Bumrah: Despite injury concerns, Bumrah remains a key figure in Pathan’s squad.
- Mohammed Shami: Shami’s experience and form make him indispensable.
- Mohammed Siraj: Siraj is considered a reliable backup, especially if Bumrah’s injury persists.
Notable Omissions and New Faces
Some prominent players like Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal did not make the cut. However, emerging talent Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included, praised for his performances in challenging conditions like Australia.
Complete Squad
The squad, as chosen by Gavaskar and Pathan, includes a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rishabh Pant
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Shubman Gill
- Sanju Samson
- Mohammed Siraj
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
Gavaskar’s Confidence in Batting Depth
Gavaskar believes that the inclusion of players like Samson and Pant strengthens the batting depth. He highlighted Samson’s ability to score big runs under pressure, making him a crucial asset for the team.
Pathan’s Vision for Bowling Balance
Pathan stressed the importance of having a balanced bowling attack. He sees the combination of Jadeja and Kuldeep as a perfect spin duo, supported by the pace attack led by Bumrah and Shami. This balance, he believes, gives India a competitive edge in the tournament.
Impact on Team Dynamics
The absence of players like Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel could shift the team’s dynamics. However, the inclusion of young talent like Nitish Kumar Reddy suggests a forward-looking approach, focusing on nurturing future stars.
Anticipation for Official Announcement
As the cricketing world waits for the official announcement on January 19, these bold picks by Gavaskar and Pathan have already stirred discussions. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces tough decisions with Bumrah and Yadav’s fitness being critical factors.
The Champions Trophy 2025 squad predictions by Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan reflect a blend of experience and youth. Their choices underline the importance of form, fitness, and future potential. Cricket fans eagerly await the official squad, which will set the stage for India’s campaign in the prestigious tournament.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
