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The Indian cricket team is set to begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday, 20 February. However, just a day before their tournament opener, former wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik raised concerns about the squad selection, questioning the approach taken by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
Karthik expresses concern over selection of five spinners
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik suggested that the selectors appeared uncertain about their choices when finalising the squad along with the head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma. He particularly pointed out the decision to replace opener Yashasvi Jaiswal with spinner Varun Chakravarthy following India’s ODI series against England, leading to a total of five spinners in the squad.
“Five spinners, I personally feel, is a bit too much. They could have done with four, I felt. And that’s where I do think it shows a little bit of, not confusion, which is probably a strong word, but not being very sure of what exactly to do because they announced a squad and then they added another spinner for an opener,” Karthik remarked.
The move to drop Yashasvi Jaiswal from the final squad and add Varun Chakravarthy has raised eyebrows. Traditionally, pitches in Dubai have supported spinners, but having five frontline options may indicate an overcautious approach by the Indian team management.
Karthik also touched upon the pace bowling options available to India, particularly discussing the selection of Harshit Rana over the experienced Mohammed Siraj. Rana was announced as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement as the ace India pacer had to pull out of the Champions Trophy due to injury concerns.
Karthik believes that while Siraj could have been a logical choice given his experience at the senior level, the Indian camp is currently more inclined toward backing Harshit Rana. Ever since Gautam Gambhir has taken over as India’s head coach, Rana has found a backer as they both worked together at Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024.
“Look, if you had to go with experience, then yes, Siraj could have been the ideal choice, but I thought Harshit bowled very well against England. What I feel is the Indian camp is very impressed with Harshit Rana. I think Harshit Rana was the debate, but I feel Team India backs him right now more than Siraj,” Karthik added.
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