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Former Indian cricketer Surinder Khanna has stirred controversy with his outspoken criticism of current Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, questioning their mental fitness and fielding capabilities. His comments followed the announcement of the 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI series against England, a squad notably omitting the high-performing Karun Nair. Khanna's assessment highlights a perceived disconnect between domestic performance and national team selection, focusing specifically on Nair's exceptional Vijay Hazare Trophy performance, where he amassed 779 runs at an average of 389.50. Despite this outstanding display, Nair, at 33 years old, remains on the sidelines, a fact Khanna finds puzzling. This omission serves as a focal point in Khanna's broader critique of the team's current state and leadership.
The heart of Khanna's criticism centers on the performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whom he labels as 'weak'. He points to their fielding positions—Sharma on the boundary, Kohli inside the circle—as evidence of a lack of all-around contribution. This assertion, coming from a former player, adds weight to existing concerns surrounding the underwhelming performance of the 'Ro-Ko' duo during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the 2024/25 Test season. Their batting averages paint a stark picture: Sharma managed a meager 10.93, while Kohli averaged a slightly better 22.87. These numbers are far from what's expected from players of their caliber and experience, fueling the debate on whether their current form warrants their continued inclusion in the national team. Khanna's call for them to become 'mentally fit' is a direct challenge to their commitment and dedication, suggesting a need for introspection and a renewed focus on the game.
Beyond the criticism, Khanna does offer some positive feedback. He applauds the selection of Shubman Gill as the vice-captain for the Champions Trophy, viewing it as a strategic move to nurture future leadership within the team. This generational shift, Khanna argues, represents a much-needed injection of fresh perspective and ambition, potentially revitalizing the team dynamic. Gill's recent captaincy experience in Zimbabwe, though brief, is cited as a demonstration of his leadership potential. This positive note provides a counterpoint to the harsh critique, suggesting that Khanna's concerns stem from a desire to see the Indian cricket team return to its former glory. The selection of Gill underscores a willingness to invest in young talent, a counterbalance to the experienced but underperforming senior players.
The selection of the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 itself is a significant piece of the puzzle. The tournament, hosted jointly by Pakistan and UAE, will be a crucial test for the team. The inclusion of players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant alongside established stars indicates a blend of experience and youth, a reflection of the strategic choices being made by the selectors. However, Khanna’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding player form, age, and the balance between established stars and emerging talent. The absence of Karun Nair, despite his impressive domestic performance, remains a point of contention, revealing a potential gap between domestic cricket success and national team selection criteria. The upcoming Champions Trophy will be an important opportunity to observe the team’s performance and validate the strategic decisions made by the selectors.
The article's timing, coinciding with the announcement of the Champions Trophy squad, amplifies its impact. The statements made by Surinder Khanna are not just idle observations; they are direct challenges to the current state of the Indian cricket team. His critique, while sharp, raises valid questions about the selection process, player performance, and the overall strategic direction of the team. The discussion extends beyond individual performances, prompting a broader conversation about fitness, both physical and mental, in high-performance sports. The future success of the Indian team in the upcoming Champions Trophy, and beyond, will largely depend on how these critical issues are addressed and the team's ability to overcome the challenges that have been highlighted.
Source: 'Rohit Sharma Is Weak, Virat Kohli Only...": Ex-India Star Drops "Mentally Fit" Bombshell