The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad announcement has sparked discussions as three talented players missed out on selection. Despite their impressive performances in recent tournaments, these players were overlooked due to fierce competition and strategic choices. The article delves into their contributions, highlights the tough calls made by the selectors, and explores how their absence could impact India’s campaign in the prestigious tournament.
Mohammed Siraj:
Mohammed Siraj’s exclusion from India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad has raised many eyebrows. Despite being the third seamer during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, India opted for left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh over Siraj.
Captain Rohit Sharma explained that Siraj’s lack of effectiveness with the old ball played a significant role in the decision. This marks a surprising twist in the pacer’s ODI journey.
Nitish Kumar Reddy:
Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as one of India’s brightest talents in recent times. The young all-rounder made his Test debut in Australia and impressed by scoring 298 runs at an average of 37.25 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
After a stellar IPL 2024 campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad and a T20I debut against Bangladesh, many expected Reddy to feature in the Champions Trophy squad. However, the selectors have backed Hardik Pandya as the sole fast-bowling all-rounder, leaving Reddy out of the squad.
Sanju Samson:
Sanju Samson’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad adds to his string of near misses. Despite an impressive ODI average of 56.66 and three T20I centuries to his name, Samson didn’t make the cut.
India’s selectors have chosen to rely on KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as their primary wicket-keepers for the tournament. Samson’s recent performances in white-ball cricket make his exclusion all the more surprising, leaving fans questioning the decision.
