Veteran all-rounder Irfan Pathan provided his insights regarding India's squad for the Champions Trophy, which was unveiled by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma on Saturday. The selection committee made significant decisions, notably excluding Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, and Karun Nair from the 15-member roster. Shubman Gill, who was appointed vice-captain during the Sri Lanka tour last year, continues to serve as Rohit's deputy in the one-day format.

Agarkar and the selection panel opted to maintain the core of the 2023 ODI World Cup team, implementing only four changes for the upcoming event, where India will compete in Dubai.

Pathan highlighted several aspects of India's squad in his evaluation. He first noted that the team may be lacking a fast bowler, particularly since two of the selected pacers have recent injury issues.

"An additional fast bowler could have been included, especially in light of the current injury concerns," Pathan expressed on X.

Additionally, the hero of the 2007 T20 World Cup final emphasized that Shubman Gill is well-positioned to assume a leadership role in the future, having retained the vice-captaincy in the one-day format.

"Shubman Gill is on the right trajectory for leadership—he’s had an outstanding year in ODI cricket," he remarked.

Sanju Samson was considered for the wicketkeeper position; however, the BCCI opted for KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the 50-over format. Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20 internationals, Sanju seized the opportunity, excelling as an opener in the shortest format. He demonstrated his exceptional talent against Bangladesh on home soil, scoring a century. Subsequently, he made history by becoming the first player to achieve three centuries in T20 internationals within a single calendar year. Nevertheless, it appears that the selectors do not share the same confidence in his abilities for One Day Internationals.

Pathan also expressed that Samson would undoubtedly feel disappointed about not being included in the squad.

"If I were in Sanju Samson's position, I would feel quite disheartened. The selectors must have also taken NKR into account," he concluded.

‘Siraj missing out is likely due to workload management’

The exclusion of Siraj from the squad was one of the most notable aspects of the squad announcement, given that the 30-year-old has been a consistent performer in the pace attack over the past few years. Pathan suggested that Siraj's omission might have been a result of the team's efforts to manage his workload effectively.

Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo Faces 'Messi' Chants Again, Responds with Kind Gesture

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!