 |
|
Suresh Raina, a former Indian all-rounder, has expressed his concern over the exclusion of Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Siraj from India's Champions Trophy squad. He believes the absence of Suryakumar, a dynamic middle-order batsman, represents a significant loss for the team, particularly given the slow and turning pitches expected in Dubai. Raina highlights Suryakumar's ability to score quickly and dominate oppositions, describing him as an 'X-factor' that will be sorely missed. The team will rely heavily on the top three batsmen, who are currently not in top form according to Raina, adding pressure to their shoulders.
The exclusion of Mohammed Siraj also raises questions, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and Mohammed Shami's return from injury. Raina argues that Siraj's recent strong performance in Australia makes him a valuable asset, especially if Bumrah's back spasms prevent him from full participation. While Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh are capable death bowlers, Raina suggests Siraj remains a superior option given his proven abilities. The possibility of squad changes up until February 12th offers a sliver of hope for Siraj's potential inclusion.
Beyond the concerns about the bowling and middle order, Raina's analysis also touches upon the positive aspects of the squad selection. The appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain is praised as a forward-thinking move, recognizing Gill's potential as a future star and his impressive ODI performances. Raina highlights Rohit Sharma's experience in mentoring young players and the value that Gill's leadership will bring to the team. This decision indicates a focus on developing future leadership within the Indian cricket team, investing in long-term success.
Raina's assessment also includes considerations for the bowling attack. Given the anticipated slow and turning pitches in Dubai, he points to Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya as vital bowlers. However, he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Kuldeep's fitness following an operation and the lack of match practice for Shami. The selection of the spinner who will partner Kuldeep will be crucial in determining the team's bowling strategy and effectiveness. The need to select the right combination from a pool of 15 players will be key to India's success.
Finally, Raina expresses confidence in India's ability to win the Champions Trophy, citing Rohit Sharma's leadership and the team's overall capacity. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the slow pitches, he believes the team has the potential to overcome these obstacles and perform well. His analysis extends to the wicket-keeping position, stating that Rishabh Pant should be the first choice due to improved wicket-keeping skills. However, he emphasizes the need for Pant to show greater responsibility and extend his time at the crease in order to significantly impact 50-over matches. The competition with KL Rahul further underlines the depth of talent within the Indian squad, though Raina's preference is clear.
In conclusion, Raina's analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the Indian Champions Trophy squad, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. The absence of key players like Suryakumar Yadav and the uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s fitness pose significant challenges, while the appointment of Gill as vice-captain and the potential of other players offer reasons for optimism. Ultimately, the success of the team will depend on strategic player combinations and adapting to the conditions in Dubai.
Source: BCCI Sent Big 'X-Factor' Warning Over Champions Trophy Exclusion. Not Karun Nair Or Sanju Samson