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The recent announcement of India's squad for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked debate and controversy among cricket fans and analysts alike. The omission of several key players, seemingly overlooked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, has led to widespread questioning of the selection criteria and the team's overall balance. Among the most contentious exclusions is that of fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. Given his recent stellar performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he emerged as India's second-highest wicket-taker with an impressive 20 scalps at an average of 31.15, his absence from the squad seems baffling. His best bowling figures of 4/98 further solidify his claim for a place in the team. Beyond his raw statistics, Siraj's contribution goes beyond mere numbers. His experience, resilience in high-pressure situations, and consistent rhythm are invaluable assets to any team, especially in a tournament as prestigious as the Champions Trophy.
Siraj's impressive ODI record further strengthens his case. With 71 wickets in just 44 appearances, his strike rate and economy rate are testament to his prowess. His crucial role in India's Asia Cup 2023 triumph, highlighted by his match-winning performance in the final against Sri Lanka with career-best figures of 6/21, underscores his ability to deliver under pressure. He carried this form into the ODI World Cup at home, contributing significantly with 14 wickets and helping India reach the final. His omission is not merely a statistical anomaly; it represents a significant loss of experience and match-winning ability for the Indian team. The selectors' rationale for overlooking such a consistently high-performing bowler remains unclear and subject to much speculation.
Another player whose exclusion has fueled much debate is Sanju Samson. While his inclusion might have been a bolder move given the already established batting order, his recent batting form is undeniably compelling. Samson's impressive batting prowess, particularly his ability to anchor the innings at number 3 or provide a late-stage impetus at number 6, offers a versatility that could have benefited the Indian team. His two centuries in the T20I series against South Africa, alongside a century in his previous ODI outing in 2023 against the same opponent, highlights his ability to perform consistently at the highest level. His overall ODI statistics, boasting 510 runs in 16 matches with three fifties and a century, are respectable. Even more impressive are his T20I stats: 810 runs in 37 matches, including three centuries and a fifty. Notably, two of his three T20I centuries came against South Africa, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure against strong opposition. The selectors' decision to overlook such a talented and in-form batsman seems questionable, particularly considering the potential benefit of his versatility and explosive batting style.
The decision-making process of the BCCI remains opaque. While they have announced their squad, the reasons behind the omissions of players like Siraj and Samson remain largely unexplained. Transparency in such decisions is crucial for maintaining public trust and understanding the strategic rationale behind team selection. The lack of clarity fuels speculation and raises concerns about whether the selectors are adequately considering the form and potential of all available players. The exclusion of these three players, among others possibly overlooked, points to a need for more open communication from the BCCI about their selection criteria. A more transparent and publicly justifiable process would go a long way in building confidence in the decisions made by the selectors and ensuring the best possible team representation for India in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Source: 3 overlooked stars who should have been in India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad