 "Champions Trophy 2025: How India's decision to pick spin-heavy squad may backfire in Dubai?")
The latest edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is all set to kickstart in Pakistan and the UAE on 19 February. India are scheduled to play their opening game against Bangladesh on 20 February at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India’s Champions Trophy matches have been moved to the UAE after the BCCI refused to send a team to Pakistan for the marquee event.
How India’s spin strategy may backfire?
India’s selection for the 2025 Champions Trophy has raised eyebrows, as the team has opted for a spin-heavy squad despite Dubai International Cricket Stadium’s historical data favoring pacers. While spin is expected to play a role in subcontinent-like conditions, statistics from 58 ODIs at the venue suggest otherwise.
According to stats, pacers have taken 466 wickets at the venue with an economy rate of 4.8 and an average of 28.6. Spinners, on the other hand, have picked up 334 wickets at an economy rate of 4.2 and an average of 30. These numbers indicate that while spinners have been economical, fast bowlers have been significantly more effective in terms of wicket-taking at the Dubai Stadium.
The Indian team has also replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal with mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, further extending the spin attack. This move suggests that the Indian team management is banking heavily on spin-friendly conditions, but with the squad already featuring Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja, the decision seems questionable.
Bumrah’s absence a major blow
The situation worsened with Jasprit Bumrah’s unfortunate injury. The ace pacer, who would have led the Indian bowling attack in the tournament, has been ruled out, and pacer Harshit Rana has been named as his replacement . While Rana has shown promise in domestic cricket and the IPL, the lack of international experience could be a concern in a high-pressure tournament. Rana was included in the recently concluded ODI series against England, which may have helped him gain some crucial game time before the Champions Trophy.
India’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy, 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
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