Yashasvi Jaiswal Dropped, Five Spinners Picked for Dubai – A Risky Call?
February 13, 2025: India’s final squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19, has sparked intense debate following some unexpected exclusions and inclusions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made major changes to the squad, dropping Yashasvi Jaiswal and ruling out injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, replacing him with Harshit Rana. The selection decisions, reportedly influenced by head coach Gautam Gambhir, have left many cricket experts and fans questioning the strategy behind the squad composition.
Five Spinners, Only Three Pacers – A Controversial Move?
India’s squad for the tournament features five specialist spinners while only three pacers have been included. This decision raised eyebrows, especially given that the matches will be played in Dubai, where spin-friendly conditions have not always been a consistent factor. Former India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra voiced his concerns on social media, questioning the necessity of five spinners in the squad.
“I thought Bumrah’s absence would force selectors to pick Siraj and have four pacers in the squad. It’s also interesting to note how quickly the plan to play Yashasvi ahead of Iyer was abandoned… to the extent that Jaiswal isn’t even a part of the Champions Trophy squad,” Chopra wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
I thought Bumrah’s absence will force selectors to pick Siraj. Have 4 pacers in the squad.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 12, 2025
It’s also interesting to note how quickly the plan to play Yashasvi in the XI ahead of Iyer is abandoned…to the extent that Yashasvi isn’t even a part of the CT squad.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Harshit Rana replaces injured Bumrah
Highlighting the unpredictability of Dubai’s pitches, Chopra added, “India has picked FIVE spinners for the Champions Trophy. FIVE. Sharjah would be an ideal venue for this squad – Spin to Win. Dubai?? Not so sure. That surface hasn’t helped spinners as much… ever. Also, I really hope Kuldeep isn’t benched for Varun. Play both if you must… but Kuldeep has to be India’s premier spinner.”
India has picked 5 spinners for Champions Trophy. FIVE.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 12, 2025
Sharjah would be an ideal venue for this squad. Spin To Win.
Dubai?? Not so sure. That surface hasn’t helped spinners as much…ever.
Also, I really hope that Kuldeep isn’t benched for Varun. Play both if you must…but…
Jaiswal’s Exclusion Raises Batting Concerns
Apart from the bowling choices, concerns have been raised over India’s batting depth after the exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young left-handed opener, who was earlier tipped to be a key player in India’s playing XI, has now been omitted altogether. This leaves Rishabh Pant as the only available backup batter, based on the second ODI lineup against England.
With India opting for a spin-heavy attack, cricket analysts are debating whether the squad composition fits the conditions in Dubai. Will the decision to stack the squad with spinners prove to be a tactical masterstroke or a selection blunder? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates on India’s Champions Trophy campaign! 🚀🏏
Tags: Gautam Gambhir, Yashasvi Jaiswal, India Champions Trophy Squad, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Team India Selection, Jasprit Bumrah, Aakash Chopra, Cricket News, Dubai Cricket Pitches