The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with all of India’s matches slated to be played in Dubai, presents a unique challenge and opportunity for the Indian cricket team.
The desert conditions of Dubai are known to favor pace bowlers, especially those who can adapt their lengths and variations effectively.
Here, we delve into why two pacers, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, were pivotal picks whose absence from the squad might be felt in the Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj has been a consistent performer for India across formats, but his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad raises eyebrows, especially considering his recent form and statistics.
In 44 matches, Siraj has bowled 1975 deliveries, taking 71 wickets at an average of 24.04 with an economy rate of 5.18.
His best bowling figures in ODIs are an astounding 6/21, highlighting his ability to be a match-winner on his day.
Siraj’s versatility is what makes him invaluable. He can swing the new ball, bowl with consistent line and length in the middle overs, and has shown the ability to take wickets with both outswingers and inswingers. His performance in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, where he dismantled their batting lineup, is a testament to his prowess under pressure.
The conditions in Dubai, with possibly dry pitches under the sun, could have played into Siraj’s hands.
His ability to extract bounce and movement off the pitch would have been a significant asset, especially in the middle overs where India often looks to control the game’s pace.
His exclusion might leave India without one of its most versatile and effective bowlers, particularly as the team would have benefited from having another reliable option alongside Jasprit Bumrah, especially if there were any fitness concerns.
Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna’s case for inclusion is compelling, particularly in the context of providing depth to India’s pace attack.
His performances in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney highlighted his potential under pressure.
In List A cricket, Krishna has an impressive record, playing 70 matches and securing 120 wickets at an average of 23.90 with an economy rate of 5.29.
His best figures of 6/33 showcase his capability to decimate batting line-ups, much like what would be required in a high-stakes tournament.
Krishna’s physical attributes – height and pace – combined with his skill in swinging the new ball and his control over line and length in less supportive conditions, make him an ideal fit for Dubai’s pitches.
His ability to bowl effectively in the middle overs and at the death would have added a different dimension to India’s bowling strategy.
In a tournament where every run counts, Krishna’s economy and wicket-taking ability could have been crucial.
Moreover, with concerns over Bumrah’s fitness – a scenario where Krishna could have stepped up – his exclusion seems like a strategic oversight.
He represents not just a backup but a proactive choice, offering both competition and support to the primary pacers.
His inclusion would have ensured that India had enough variety in their pace attack to tackle different situations and oppositions in Dubai.
In Summary
The selection of a cricket team for a tournament like the Champions Trophy involves a delicate balance of experience, current form, and suitability to conditions.
Both Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bring to the table qualities that could have been instrumental in Dubai’s challenging conditions.
Siraj’s consistency and knack for taking wickets in the middle overs, combined with Krishna’s raw pace and strategic bowling variations, could have provided India with a formidable pace attack.
As the tournament progresses, the Indian team might reflect on these omissions, especially if the conditions prove to be more favorable to pace than anticipated.
These decisions reflect the tough choices selectors face, but in hindsight, the exclusion of these two pacers might be seen as a missed opportunity to capitalize on their unique skills in a format and venue where they could have made significant impacts.
