Sanju Samson Left out as S. Badrinath Picks india’s champions Trophy Squad
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in February. Fresh off their T20 World Cup victory, which ended a decade-long title drought, the Men in Blue are persistent to add another trophy to their cabinet. under the leadership of Rohit Sharma,the team aims to bounce back from recent setbacks,including the disappointment in the border-Gavaskar Trophy.Despite the tournament being hosted by International Cricket Stadium. While most teams have already announced their squads, Indian fans are eagerly awaiting the official lineup.
Former Indian cricketer S. Badrinath has stepped into the spotlight by revealing his preferred 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy. Notably,Kerala’s star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been left out of Badrinath’s selection. This omission has sparked discussions among fans, especially given Samson’s recent performances in domestic and international cricket.
Badrinath’s squad includes a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer forming the core of the batting lineup. The inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make his ODI debut, has also raised eyebrows. The bowling department features Mohammad shami, Mohammad Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, with Varun Chakraborty stepping in for the injured Kuldeep Yadav.
India’s Champions Trophy Squad (Selected by S. Badrinath):
| Player Name | Role |
|———————–|———————|
| Rohit sharma (C) | Batsman |
| Virat Kohli | Batsman |
| Shubman Gill | Batsman |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batsman|
| Hardik Pandya | All-Rounder |
| Axar Patel | All-Rounder |
| Kuldeep yadav | Spinner |
| Mohammad Shami | fast Bowler |
| Mohammad Siraj | Fast Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batsman |
| Washington Sundar | All-Rounder |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper-Batsman|
| Mukesh Kumar | Fast Bowler |
Varun Chakraborty replaces Kuldeep Yadav due to injury.
India has been placed in Group A alongside bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand.Their campaign kicks off on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. This will be followed by a high-voltage clash against Pakistan on February 23 and a match against New Zealand on March 2.
The exclusion of Sanju Samson has left many fans questioning the selection criteria. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Jaiswal, despite his lack of ODI experience, suggests a focus on nurturing young talent for future tournaments.
As the countdown to the Champions Trophy begins,all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and his men as they aim to reclaim glory on the global stage.
India’s Group Stage Schedule:
- February 20: vs bangladesh – Dubai International Stadium
- February 23: vs Pakistan – dubai International Stadium
- March 2: vs New Zealand – Dubai International Stadium
Will India’s squad deliver under pressure? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament approaches.
Watch the squad declaration video here.
Sanju Samson Left Out as S. Badrinath Picks India’s Champions trophy Squad: expert Analysis
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As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian cricket team is under the spotlight once again. Fresh off their T20 World Cup victory, the Men in blue are steadfast to reclaim glory in the ODI format. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team is set to face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage, with all matches scheduled at the dubai International Cricket Stadium.
While the official squad announcement is still pending, former Indian cricketer S. Badrinath has revealed his preferred 15-member lineup, sparking debates among fans and experts alike. Notably, the exclusion of Sanju Samson and the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make his ODI debut, have raised eyebrows.
To delve deeper into the selection dynamics and the team’s prospects, Senior Editor of World-Today-News.com, Rahul Mehta, sat down with cricket analyst and former domestic player, Aarav Kapoor, for an insightful discussion.
The Exclusion of Sanju Samson: A Controversial Decision
Rahul Mehta: Aarav, let’s start with the most talked-about topic—Sanju Samson’s exclusion from S. Badrinath’s squad. Samson has been in good form recently, both domestically and internationally. What’s your take on this decision?
Aarav Kapoor: It’s definitely a surprising move, Rahul. Sanju Samson has been a consistent performer, especially in the limited-overs format. His ability to accelerate the innings and his versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman make him a valuable asset. Though, Badrinath’s decision seems to prioritize experience and balance over current form. With Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul already in the squad as wicketkeeper-batsmen, Samson’s exclusion might be about managing roles rather than questioning his talent.
Rahul Mehta: do you think this could be a missed chance for India, especially considering Samson’s ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches?
aarav Kapoor: Absolutely. Samson has shown time and again that he thrives under pressure. His performances in the IPL and for India in T20Is have been commendable. However, the Champions Trophy is a different ball game, and perhaps the selectors are looking for players with more ODI experience. That saeid, I believe Samson’s exclusion could come back to haunt the team if the middle order struggles.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Inclusion: A Gamble or a Masterstroke?
Rahul Mehta: Another point of discussion is the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who hasn’t played an ODI yet. What do you make of this decision?
Aarav Kapoor: It’s a bold move, no doubt. Jaiswal has been phenomenal in domestic cricket and the IPL, but ODIs are a different challenge altogether. His inclusion suggests that the selectors are looking to build for the future while also adding a fresh dynamic to the batting lineup. Jaiswal’s aggressive style could complement the likes of rohit Sharma and Shubman gill at the top of the order.
Rahul Mehta: Do you think this could put too much pressure on a young player like Jaiswal, especially in a high-profile tournament like the Champions Trophy?
Aarav Kapoor: There’s always pressure when you’re playing for India, but Jaiswal has shown that he can handle it. His temperament and ability to adapt to different situations are notable. If he gets the right guidance from senior players like Rohit and Virat, this could be a breakthrough tournament for him.
The Bowling Attack: A Mix of Experience and Youth
Rahul Mehta: Let’s talk about the bowling department.Badrinath’s squad includes Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, with Varun Chakraborty stepping in for the injured Kuldeep Yadav. How do you assess this lineup?
Aarav Kapoor: It’s a well-rounded attack. shami and Siraj bring experience and consistency,while Arshdeep adds a left-arm angle and death-over expertise. Varun Chakraborty’s inclusion is engaging—he’s a mystery spinner who can be effective in the middle overs. However, the absence of Kuldeep Yadav is a setback, as he’s been one of India’s most reliable spinners in recent years.
Rahul Mehta: Do you think the bowling unit has enough depth to handle the challenges posed by teams like Pakistan and New Zealand?
Aarav Kapoor: On paper, yes. but it will come down to execution. The Dubai pitch tends to favor spinners as the game progresses, so the likes of Axar Patel and Washington Sundar will have crucial roles to play. If the fast bowlers can strike early and the spinners control the middle overs, India will be in a strong position.
India’s Group Stage Challenges
Rahul Mehta: India has been placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. How do you see the team faring in the group stage?
Aarav kapoor: It’s a tough group, no doubt. Bangladesh has been improving steadily, Pakistan is always a formidable opponent, and New Zealand is one of the most consistent teams in world cricket. India’s success will depend on how they handle pressure, especially in the high-voltage clash against Pakistan.
Rahul Mehta: Any key players to watch out for in these matches?
Aarav Kapoor: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be crucial, as always. But I’m particularly excited to see how Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer perform. They’ve been in great form and could be the backbone of India’s batting.
Final Thoughts: Can India Reclaim the Champions Trophy?
rahul Mehta: Aarav,wrapping up,do you think India has what it takes to win the Champions Trophy?
Aarav Kapoor: Absolutely. This squad has a good mix of experience and youth, and the team is riding high on confidence after the T20 World Cup win. If they can maintain their form and handle the pressure, there’s no reason why they can’t lift the trophy.
Rahul Mehta: Thank you,Aarav,for your insights. It’s going to be an exciting tournament, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on India’s journey.
Stay tuned to World-Today-News.com for more updates on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and exclusive interviews with cricket experts.
Watch the squad declaration video here.
