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India announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. There weren't many surprises in the squad, except for the omission of Mohammed Siraj, who had the most wickets for an Indian pacer in One-Day Internationals since 2023 and Sanju Samson, who slammed a ton in his previous ODI and T20 International (T20I).
However, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin reckons that the team is one-dimensional as it does not have many left-handers who could potentially be part of the XI. "This squad mirrors the 2023 ODI World Cup," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there's Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it's a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant."
Ashwin also reckons Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is uncapped in ODIs, might not get a game unless there is an injury. With Shubman Gill elevated as the vice-captain, it pretty much means it will be Gill who will open with Rohit Sharma, leaving no place for Jaiswal in the squad.
"Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries? One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4," Ashwin explained.
"This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5. If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalise on Jaiswal's current form."
Ashwin also believes the inclusion of Washington Sundar will add a bit of balance to the side, given that he can slot in anywhere in the XI. "Another scenario involves Washington Sundar. Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting," Ashwin said.
"He can also be used as a floater. If you follow the World Cup format, you play either Jaddu or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik's all-round skills."
With dew set to play a huge role in Dubai, where India play all their Champions Trophy matches, Ashwin believes Nitish Kumar Reddy could have been a handy option.
"Ideally, Washington should bat at 8. 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," he said.
"This would provide the luxury of four fast bowlers and two spinners. I don't know if he was considered."
India begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.
