The unveiling of India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has stirred up discussions among cricket analysts and former players alike. Recently retired all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on the topic, voicing his reservations about the squad’s composition, particularly the lack of batting depth and missed opportunities in player selection. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted the exclusion of seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, a decision he believes could impact India’s balance.
Ashwin Advocates for Nitish Kumar Reddy
Ashwin questioned the wisdom of relying solely on Hardik Pandya as the pace-bowling all-rounder, suggesting that Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion could have brought more flexibility to the lineup.
“Does it make sense to bring someone like Nitish Reddy into the mix?” Ashwin reflected. “With Kuldeep at No. 9, the squad is limited to two pacers and three spinners. If Nitish bats at No. 8 and Kuldeep follows at No. 9, you could unlock the luxury of having two spinners alongside four pacers.”
However, the selection committee leaned toward a spin-heavy strategy, choosing Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar as spin-bowling all-rounders in addition to Hardik Pandya, leaving no room for another seam-bowling option.
Questions About India’s Playing XI
Analyzing India’s likely playing XI, Ashwin raised concerns about the lack of left-handed batters in the top seven and the squad’s overall balance.
Projected lineup:
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul
- Ravindra Jadeja/Axar Patel
- Hardik Pandya
“The absence of left-handers in the top seven limits batting versatility. Beyond the playing XI, we only have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant as left-handed options,” Ashwin noted.
Washington Sundar’s Potential Role
Ashwin believes Washington Sundar could force his way into the XI, given his batting ability and his versatility as a floater in the lineup—a trait highly valued by head coach Gautam Gambhir.
“Gautam Gambhir sees Washington as a valuable asset, particularly for his batting. He could also be used as a floater,” Ashwin remarked.
Ashwin suggested a scenario where Sundar bats at No. 8, followed by Kuldeep Yadav and two pacers. Yet, he acknowledged the complexity of achieving this balance.
“If Sundar bats at No. 7, the batting lineup weakens significantly. Ideally, he should come in at 8. In conditions affected by dew, Kuldeep might slot in at 8, with Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Shami forming an all-seam attack,” he explained.
Addressing Batting Depth
Ashwin also highlighted India’s ongoing issue of batting depth, which was a concern during the 2023 World Cup and could again haunt the team in the Champions Trophy.
“In the 2023 World Cup, batting depth from No. 8 onwards was a glaring issue. This needs to be addressed to avoid similar vulnerabilities,” Ashwin stressed.
With Kuldeep Yadav likely batting at No. 9, India’s lower-middle order could struggle to contribute with the bat in critical moments.
Unique Challenges of the Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy, which will follow a hybrid model with matches in Pakistan and Dubai, presents distinct challenges for India. Adapting to conditions, particularly combating dew in evening games, will be key. India’s campaign begins on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
India’s Group Matches:
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh (Dubai)
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan (Dubai)
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand (Dubai)
Final Thoughts
Ashwin’s observations underscore the critical areas India must address as they gear up for the Champions Trophy. From enhancing batting depth to finding the right team balance, these decisions could determine India’s success in reclaiming the title after a 12-year wait.
His remarks serve as a timely reminder that getting the squad composition right now could be the difference between triumph and disappointment on one of cricket’s grandest stages.
