“Harbhajan Singh’s bold picks for India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad, excluding Jadeja and Rahul, with Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant.”
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India’s Champions Trophy Squad: Harbhajan Singh Excludes Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul; Suggests Sanju Samson Over Rishabh Pant
The anticipation surrounding the announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has been mounting, with fans and experts alike eagerly awaiting the BCCI’s final list. Initially, it was expected that the squad would be revealed by January 12, but now the selectors are expected to announce the 15-member team by January 19, just days after the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. With many high-profile names in contention, the decision-making process for finalizing the squad is bound to be complex. In this context, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has put forward his vision for the ideal squad, making some bold choices that have raised eyebrows.
Harbhajan Singh, in a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, laid out his preferred 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, which is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Among his most surprising choices was the exclusion of key players such as Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. Instead, Harbhajan proposed the inclusion of rising stars and hinted that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson might be preferred over Rishabh Pant. Let’s delve deeper into Harbhajan’s squad selection and the reasoning behind some of these decisions.
The Exclusion of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul
Ravindra Jadeja, the seasoned all-rounder known for his sharp bowling and agile fielding, has been a regular in India’s limited-overs lineup for years. However, Harbhajan Singh has decided to leave Jadeja out of his Champions Trophy squad. This is a significant call, given Jadeja’s pedigree and the crucial role he has played in India’s success across formats. Harbhajan explained that he believed Axar Patel had the capability to take on Jadeja’s role in the squad. Both are left-arm spinners, but Axar has demonstrated his ability to perform in various conditions and could provide a similar balance to the team as Jadeja.
KL Rahul, another key player in recent Indian squads, also finds himself omitted from Harbhajan’s list. Rahul, who has been a versatile presence in India’s top and middle-order and occasionally kept wickets, was a vital part of India’s ODI World Cup campaign. Despite his significant contributions, Harbhajan prefers Shubman Gill, citing his impressive pace and consistency in ODIs. Rahul, though a strong performer, has struggled with fitness concerns in recent months, and his exclusion highlights the selectors’ desire to back players in form and with the potential to thrive in the Champions Trophy.
Sanju Samson Over Rishabh Pant
One of the most interesting decisions made by Harbhajan Singh was his selection of Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant. Both players have been in the mix as India’s primary wicketkeeper-batters, but Pant’s recent struggles in international cricket have led to discussions about his future in the team. While Pant has been pivotal in India’s Test and T20 sides, his performances in ODIs have been inconsistent. Rishabh played well during India’s tour of Australia, but Harbhajan believes that after a long tour, it may be beneficial to rest him and focus on fresh talent.
Sanju Samson, on the other hand, has made a mark with his performances in limited-overs cricket, especially in T20Is. Despite being dropped from the World Cup squad, Samson’s potential and ability to perform in challenging situations have kept him in the selectors’ thoughts. He also has experience playing in South Africa, which could work in his favor given the Champions Trophy’s diverse conditions. Harbhajan suggested that Samson’s skill set, including his ability to play under pressure, could make him the better choice over Pant for this tournament.
The Strong Core of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer
Harbhajan Singh’s squad includes a solid foundation of experienced players, starting with Rohit Sharma, who he has selected as the captain of the team. Rohit, known for his ability to lead from the front, has been one of India’s most consistent performers in limited-overs cricket and will be expected to guide the team through the high-pressure stages of the Champions Trophy.
Alongside Rohit, Harbhajan includes Virat Kohli, who has been a stalwart in the Indian middle-order for years. Despite some questions about his form in recent months, Kohli remains one of the world’s best and a vital cog in India’s batting lineup. His ability to anchor the innings while playing crucial knocks makes him an indispensable part of the squad.
Shreyas Iyer, who has consistently delivered in the middle order, is another player Harbhajan has retained in his squad. Iyer’s recent performances have impressed many, and Harbhajan is confident that he can continue to deliver during the Champions Trophy. His calmness under pressure and ability to rotate strike will be important to the team’s success in the middle overs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma: Rising Stars
Harbhajan has also included exciting young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma in his squad. Jaiswal, who has been one of the standout players in domestic cricket, has earned his place in Harbhajan’s squad for the Champions Trophy. The left-handed opener, known for his aggressive stroke play, has shown the ability to perform at the highest level. With an eye on the future, Harbhajan believes Jaiswal should be inducted into the Indian ODI team.
Tilak Varma, another young talent, has been included as a middle-order option. Varma made a strong impression during his time in the T20I squad, particularly in South Africa. His aggressive approach to batting and ability to find gaps in the field will be valuable assets in the Champions Trophy, where the ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs will be crucial.
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel: The All-Rounders
Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in Harbhajan’s squad is hardly surprising, given his importance to the Indian team. As one of the best all-rounders in world cricket, Pandya’s ability to provide balance to the team, both with the bat and the ball, makes him a critical component. His powerful hitting and his ability to bowl in the death overs make him indispensable in the limited-overs format.
Axar Patel, who has been a revelation with both bat and ball, is also included as a key all-rounder in Harbhajan’s squad. Known for his accuracy with the ball and ability to contribute with the bat, Axar’s inclusion is a no-brainer for Harbhajan. His performances in both domestic and international cricket, especially in the subcontinent, make him a valuable asset for the Champions Trophy.
The Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami
Harbhajan Singh’s squad includes a solid bowling lineup with Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami being the primary fast and spin bowling options. Kuldeep, the left-arm wrist spinner, is a proven performer in limited-overs cricket and has been instrumental in India’s success over the years. His ability to turn the ball sharply and pick up key wickets in the middle overs makes him a crucial part of the team.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, is another key figure in Harbhajan’s squad. Known for his death-bowling skills and ability to bowl in high-pressure situations, Bumrah will be expected to lead the pace attack. Mohammed Shami, another experienced pacer, will provide the much-needed depth to the fast-bowling department. Shami’s ability to take wickets in the powerplay and his experience in world tournaments make him a vital asset for India.
The Bench Strength: Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal
Mohammed Siraj, who has impressed with his pace and ability to swing the ball, is Harbhajan’s 12th man. Siraj’s inclusion ensures that India has a quality backup pacer in case of any injury or loss of form in the primary bowlers.
Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner, also finds a place in the squad. Chahal’s ability to bowl in the middle overs and his knack for picking up wickets in crucial moments make him an excellent option, especially in subcontinental conditions.
Final Thoughts
Harbhajan Singh’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is a blend of experienced stalwarts, young talent, and key all-rounders. His selections are based on the current form, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure, factors that will be crucial for India’s success in the tournament. The exclusion of big names like Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul has generated much discussion, but it also highlights the importance of form and fitness in modern cricket. As India gears up for the Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on the final squad announcement, and Harbhajan’s suggestions will undoubtedly influence the selection process. The tournament promises to be an exciting contest, and India will be hoping that their balanced squad can rise to the occasion and bring home the trophy.
FAQ’S
Why did Harbhajan Singh exclude Ravindra Jadeja from his Champions Trophy squad?
Harbhajan believes Axar Patel can take on Jadeja’s role, offering similar skills in both bowling and batting.
Why is KL Rahul not included in Harbhajan’s Champions Trophy squad?
Harbhajan preferred Shubman Gill due to his aggressive approach and consistency in ODIs over Rahul’s recent struggles.
Why does Harbhajan prefer Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant?
Harbhajan feels that Sanju Samson’s form, particularly in T20Is, and experience in South Africa make him a better fit for the Champions Trophy.
What are Harbhajan Singh’s key selections for India’s Champions Trophy squad?
Harbhajan picked Rohit Sharma as captain, alongside key players like Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
What is Harbhajan’s opinion on Rishabh Pant’s chances for the Champions Trophy?
While Pant has shown potential, Harbhajan suggested resting him after a long tour, opting for Sanju Samson instead.
What young players did Harbhajan select for India’s Champions Trophy squad?
Harbhajan included Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma, both showing strong potential in limited-overs formats.
Who are the key fast bowlers in Harbhajan’s squad?
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are Harbhajan’s key fast bowling choices.
Why did Harbhajan include Axar Patel in the squad over Jadeja?
Harbhajan believes Axar can fulfill Jadeja’s role, offering a similar balance with his bowling and batting ability.
What is the reasoning behind Harbhajan’s selection of Shubman Gill over KL Rahul?
Harbhajan favored Gill’s ability to score quickly and his form in ODIs, which gives the team a dynamic option in the top order.
What are the chances of players like Yuzvendra Chahal making the final squad?
Chahal, a proven leg-spinner, remains in contention due to his experience and ability to take wickets in the middle overs.