The countdown to India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh on February 23 is on, and the team selection drama is already heating up. The biggest shock? No Kuldeep Yadav!
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to injury, India’s pace attack looks vulnerable—and the selectors’ decisions have left fans divided. Let’s break it down!
Pace Crisis: Is India’s Bowling Attack Too Weak?
With Bumrah missing, India’s pace attack is under scrutiny. Arshdeep Singh brings left-arm variety but lacks big-match experience, while Mohammed Shami is returning after an extended injury layoff.
🔥 Will Shami be match-ready, or is India taking a big gamble? 🔥 Can Arshdeep handle the pressure, or will he be Bangladesh’s prime target?
Meanwhile, Dubai’s conditions could be spin-friendly, making the selection even trickier. If India bowls first, dew could become a nightmare, reducing the effectiveness of their spinners and making an extra pacer a must.
Biggest Selection Shocks: Why No Kuldeep? Who’s In, Who’s Out?
India’s batting lineup remains intact, but the bowling department has seen major shakeups. The trio of Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja missed the final ODI against England but are now expected to feature in the starting XI.
The most controversial exclusion? Kuldeep Yadav! The star spinner, who has been India’s go-to wicket-taker, finds himself out, with Varun Chakravarthy preferred for his ‘mystery spin’. Is this a bold masterstroke or a risky miscalculation?
Kuldeep, who has taken 42 wickets in his last 18 ODIs at an economy of 4.5, has been a proven match-winner. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir expressed his disappointment, stating,
“Leaving out Kuldeep is a big mistake. He has been India’s most reliable spinner in crucial matches.”
Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy has played only 7 ODIs and has an economy rate of 5.8, raising questions about his consistency.
Recent stats indicate that Kuldeep’s average of 21.2 per wicket is far superior to Varun’s 32.6, leading to a widespread debate on social media about whether India made the right choice.
India’s Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh
India’s probable XI against Bangladesh consists of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma (C) as the opening duo, followed by the experienced Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer in the middle order. KL Rahul, taking up wicketkeeping duties, adds depth to the batting lineup. Hardik Pandya slots in as the fast-bowling all-rounder, providing crucial balance. In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja, who replaces Washington Sundar, pairs with Axar Patel, while Varun Chakravarthy is preferred over Kuldeep Yadav for his mystery spin. The pace attack is led by Arshdeep Singh, India’s left-arm option, and the seasoned Mohammed Shami, who is expected to edge out Harshit Rana.
Key Selection Controversies: Right Calls or Blunders?
- Jadeja Returns, Sundar Dropped – No surprises here, but will Jadeja’s experience prove vital in Dubai’s conditions?
- Axar Patel Stays, Kuldeep Yadav OUT! – Axar’s batting ability might have given him the edge, but is India underestimating Kuldeep’s wicket-taking ability?
- Varun Chakravarthy Over Kuldeep? – Varun’s ‘mystery spin’ has been preferred, but will his inconsistency cost India in a big match?
- Shami vs. Harshit Rana – Experience vs. Fresh Energy – Shami has the big-game experience, but is he fully fit?
What Players Are Saying About The Selections?
When asked about Jadeja’s inclusion, Rohit Sharma defended the decision, saying, “Jaddu’s all-round ability gives us the balance we need, especially on these pitches.”
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, however, had a different take on Varun over Kuldeep, stating,
“I don’t see the logic. Kuldeep has proven himself time and again, and dropping him before a big tournament is risky.”
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya addressed concerns over India’s weakened pace attack, stating,
“Yes, Bumrah is a big miss, but Shami and Arshdeep can handle the pressure. We have faith in them.”
Analysts have noted that Axar Patel’s selection over Kuldeep is another interesting move. While Axar provides depth in batting, he has picked up only 12 wickets in his last 15 ODIs, significantly lower than Kuldeep’s tally.
Bangladesh’s Response: Ready to Target India’s Weaknesses?
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan was quick to react to India’s squad, stating,
“We know India’s spin attack is strong, but without Bumrah, their pace options look beatable.”
Bangladesh’s key players Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim have a history of performing well against India, averaging above 40 in ODIs against them.
Will India’s Strategy Backfire?
On paper, India looks strong, but their bowling attack faces serious questions. Will their spin-heavy strategy work in Dubai, or will the lack of an experienced pacer expose them?
The toss could be crucial—if India bowls first, dew could make life miserable for the spinners. If they bat first, will their bowlers defend a total without Bumrah?
👉 Is this India’s best XI, or will these selections cost them big time? 👉 Should Kuldeep Yadav have played? 👉 Will Bangladesh exploit India’s pace weakness?
🔥 Drop your thoughts below! Who should have made the XI? 🔥
