Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed the opinion that India should have included an additional seam-bowling all-rounder, such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, rather than opting for three all-rounders who specialize in finger spin for the Champions Trophy 2025. The 15-member Indian squad, selected by the committee led by Ajit Agarkar, bears a resemblance to the team that participated in the ODI World Cup held in India in 2023. A significant change, however, is the lack of an extra seam bowler. While Shardul Thakur served as a backup previously, the current selection features Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. Unless Kuldeep Yadav is replaced as the primary spinner, only one of Sundar, Axar, or Jadeja will likely be included in the playing eleven.

Ashwin argues that a seam-bowling all-rounder like Nitish Reddy could have been beneficial in this context. He stated, “Is it logical to consider a player like Nitish Reddy? If Kuldeep occupies the No. 9 position, that would mean two pacers and three spinners. With Nitish, he could bat at No. 8, allowing Kuldeep to bat at No. 9 alongside two fast bowlers. This configuration would enable the team to field four fast bowlers and two spinners. I am uncertain if he was part of the discussions,” Ashwin remarked on his YouTube channel.

He further noted, “Kuldeep is firmly established at No. 9 as the primary spinner. Among the finger spinners, I believe there could have been room for one fast bowler. I am confident that this was a topic of conversation.”

Ashwin also mentioned that the only circumstance under which Sundar might be included is if India prioritizes his batting capabilities, which have garnered significant appreciation from head coach Gautam Gambhir. “Another possibility involves Washington Sundar. I do not hold any bias, but Gautam Gambhir places considerable value on Washington due to his batting prowess. He can also serve as a floater in the lineup.

“Considering the World Cup format, one could position either Jadeja or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at No. 7, and Washington at No. 8. This arrangement allows for the inclusion of three fast bowlers or Kuldeep alongside two pacers, thereby maintaining a balanced team with Hardik’s all-round abilities,” he explained.

The placement of Washington in the batting order at No. 7 diminishes the overall strength of the lineup; it would be more advantageous for him to occupy the No. 8 position.

However, if dew conditions are significant, having Washington Sundar bat at No. 8 may not be practical. In such a scenario, Kuldeep Yadav would take the No. 8 spot, and the team would likely opt for an all-seam attack featuring Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Shami.

During the 2023 World Cup, we experienced a deficiency in batting depth starting from No. 8. These are critical issues that require careful consideration, he concluded.

No Pant, Jaiswal in Ashwin's CT XI; Rahul as keeper

Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal were omitted from the selection, as Ashwin indicated that KL Rahul and Shubman Gill had sufficiently demonstrated their capabilities in the ODI format to warrant inclusion in the starting eleven.

“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will serve as the opening pair, both being right-handed batsmen. Following them is Virat Kohli, with Shreyas Iyer expected to bat at the fourth position due to his impressive World Cup performance. KL Rahul is positioned next, while the sixth spot is a decision between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik Pandya will take the seventh position. It is noteworthy that there is a lack of left-handed batsmen among the top seven. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant remain outside the playing eleven,” he elaborated.

“Jaiswal's participation may only occur in the event of an injury to another player. He could potentially feature in the match against England. However, what if he achieves consecutive centuries?

“One possibility is to have Jaiswal open alongside Rohit, moving Shubman to the third slot, followed by Virat at four. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at the fifth position.

“If Jaiswal is included, it is likely that Shreyas Iyer would be excluded. Although it seems improbable, India must take advantage of Jaiswal’s current form,” he remarked.

“It is challenging to exclude KL Rahul, considering his outstanding performances in ODIs and the World Cup.

“Rohit and Gill will open, with Virat at three and Shreyas at four. At five, it will be either KL or Pant, with KL being the probable choice. The sixth position is contested between Jadeja and Axar, while Hardik will occupy the seventh spot.

Ashwin has selected India's XI for the Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja/Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Read Also: Suryakumar Yadav Highlights Friendship with Hardik Pandya After Axar Patel's Promotion to Vice-Captain

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