Ravichandran Ashwin has proposed significant adjustments to India’s playing XI for the 2025 Champions Trophy, emphasizing the need for balance and depth. Notably, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal were excluded from Ashwin’s XI, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill preferred due to their strong ODI performances.
Missing Seam-Bowling All-Rounder in India’s Squad
Ashwin expressed concerns about the absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder in India’s 15-member squad, which largely mirrors the 2023 ODI World Cup lineup. He pointed out that while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are capable all-rounders, their skillsets overlap as finger spinners. According to Ashwin, someone like Nitish Kumar Reddy could have provided an additional seam-bowling option, enhancing the team’s flexibility.
“Does it make sense to consider someone like Nitish Reddy? With Kuldeep Yadav batting at No. 9 and two pacers in the XI, including Nitish at No. 8 would allow India to field four seamers and two spinners. This balance could have been invaluable,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Role of Washington Sundar
Ashwin also discussed Washington Sundar’s potential role, highlighting his batting skills, which are highly regarded by head coach Gautam Gambhir. “Washington Sundar can be a floater. If India opts for Sundar at No. 7, it strengthens the bowling but weakens the batting lineup. Ideally, Sundar should bat at No. 8,” Ashwin explained.
He added that conditions like dew would influence team composition. If dew plays a significant role, Kuldeep Yadav might bat at No. 8, with India fielding three frontline pacers—Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah—alongside Hardik Pandya as an all-rounder.
Top Order Preferences and Left-Handed Options
Ashwin excluded Pant and Jaiswal from his XI, citing KL Rahul and Shubman Gill’s consistency in ODIs. He suggested that India lacks left-handed batters in the top seven, a factor that could impact team dynamics.
“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should open, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 3. Shreyas Iyer is likely to bat at No. 4, considering his World Cup form. KL Rahul slots in at No. 5, and the choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel at No. 6 depends on conditions,” Ashwin noted.
However, Ashwin acknowledged Jaiswal’s current form and suggested an alternative approach: “If Jaiswal opens with Rohit, Gill could drop to No. 3, and Virat to No. 4. This might allow Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at No. 5. If Jaiswal performs exceptionally, it could create a tough selection dilemma.”
Ashwin’s Champions Trophy XI
Ashwin finalized his XI as follows:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul
- Ravindra Jadeja/Axar Patel
- Hardik Pandya
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah
Ashwin’s recommendations reflect a balanced approach, considering both experience and form, while addressing potential weaknesses in India’s squad composition. With the Champions Trophy around the corner, these strategic insights could help India optimize its lineup for success.
