Ravi Ashwin points out at major selection problems in India's squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Ravi Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024.

Former India all-rounder Ravi Ashwin has raised two important questions regarding the composition of India’s possible playing XI at the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Three days ago, the BCCI announced India’s 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the three ODIs against England preceding the ICC tournament.

Ashwin, who was part of the ICC World Cup 2023 squad, noted that India’s potential playing XI at the Champions Trophy would be similar to what they fielded at the World Cup.

“This template mirrors the 2023 ODI World Cup,” Ashwin said in a conversation with journalist Vimal Kumar.

“Where are your left-handed batters?” Ravi Ashwin asks

Ashwin pointed at two major conundrums that the team management will have to deal with. One is regarding the lack of left-handers in the top 7, and another is who would be the No. 8 in the playing XI.

Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the two left-handed batsmen in the squad, while Washington Sundar is the left-handed all-rounder. However, none of the three are considered to be first-choice players yet.

Jadeja and Axar are other two lefties but both are unlikely to play in the same XI.

“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there’s Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it’s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,” Ashwin noted.

“One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5.

“If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalize on Jaiswal’s current form,” the off-spinner added.

On the lower-order, Ashwin opined India can field three all-rounders in the side.

“If you follow the World Cup format, you play either Jaddu or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik’s all-round skills,” he said.

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