The announcement of India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma has brought about a wave of discussions and analyses, especially regarding the players who made an impact in the 2023 World Cup but did not make the cut for this prestigious tournament. With a lineup featuring Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, the team looks robust yet notably missing some familiar names. Shardul Thakur, Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan, and R Ashwin, all of whom played significant roles in the last World Cup, are absent from this squad. This shift in selection has sparked curiosity about the strategic direction Team India is taking as they prepare for both the Champions Trophy and the preceding ODI series against England.
5 Players Who Played In The World Cup 2023 But Are Not Part Of The Champions Trophy 2025
Shardul Thakur’s Absence
Shardul Thakur, known for his all-round capabilities, was a part of India’s 2023 World Cup squad, providing crucial breakthroughs with the ball and handy runs with the bat. However, the selection committee seems to have moved on, possibly due to other players offering similar skills with better recent form. His exclusion might reflect a strategic choice to bolster the team’s depth with players who have shown greater consistency or have a specific role in mind.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Omission
Suryakumar Yadav, with his dynamic T20 form, was expected to make an impact in the 2023 World Cup. However, his performances didn’t translate into the ODI format as anticipated. For the Champions Trophy, the selectors might have opted for players who fit better into the 50-over game plan, focusing on those with a proven track record in ODIs. Yadav’s exclusion could also be a nudge for him to adapt his aggressive style to the longer format.
Mohammed Siraj Not Making the Cut
Mohammed Siraj had a notable World Cup in 2023, taking crucial wickets and being part of India’s pace attack. His absence from the Champions Trophy squad raises eyebrows, especially given his ability to swing the new ball. The selection might have favored players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami for their experience or specific conditions expected in the tournament, or perhaps, Siraj’s form has dipped since the World Cup.
Ishan Kishan’s Exclusion
Ishan Kishan was seen as a versatile option in the 2023 World Cup, capable of opening or playing in the middle order with his aggressive left-handed batting. His non-selection could be attributed to the emergence of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has shown remarkable consistency and flair at the top. Kishan’s exclusion might also stem from the team’s need for a more settled lineup, especially with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant offering similar skills.
R Ashwin’s Retirement from ODIs
Ravichandran Ashwin, despite his experience and strategic acumen in the 2023 World Cup, announced his retirement from ODIs after the tournament. His absence from the Champions Trophy squad is thus understandable, but his legacy in Indian cricket remains undiminished. His departure opens up spots for spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, who have shown they can fill the void left by Ashwin.
Strategic Selection Decisions
The selection for the Champions Trophy reflects a blend of experience, current form, and strategic roles within the team. With players like Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja providing all-round depth, and the pace attack led by Bumrah, Shami, and Arshdeep Singh, the team looks balanced but tailored for specific challenges. The absence of these five players indicates a shift in strategy or perhaps a focus on players who have shown they can adapt to the evolving demands of modern ODI cricket.
Looking Forward
The exclusion of Shardul Thakur, Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan, and R Ashwin from India’s Champions Trophy squad does not end their international careers but rather marks a phase of transition or adaptation. For some, it might be a call to refine their skills in the longer format; for others, an opportunity for younger or differently skilled players to shine. As India prepares for both the England series and the Champions Trophy, the focus will be on how this new squad gels together, hoping to replicate or surpass the performances of the 2023 World Cup team.
