Yashasvi Jaiswal’s inclusion in India’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 raised eyebrows, and recent developments have seen him dropped from the final squad.
While his undeniable talent and explosive batting in Test and T20 cricket have made him a rising star, the decision to ultimately drop him from the final 15-member squad points to form a strong squad.
Here are three key reasons behind this decision:
1. Limited Exposure to ODI Cricket:
The Champions Trophy is renowned for its intensity and unforgiving nature. The tournament’s short format and knockout structure leave little margin for error.
In such a high-pressure environment, experience and familiarity with the ODI format are invaluable. Jaiswal’s exposure to ODI cricket has been extremely limited. He’s played only one ODI to date, against England, where he scored 15 runs.
The team management likely prioritized seasoned players who have consistently performed in the 50-over format.
2. Established Opening Partnership and Solidified Top Order:
One of the most crucial aspects of any successful ODI team is a stable and reliable opening partnership.
India currently benefits from a well-established opening duo in Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Both batsmen have been in impressive form, consistently providing solid starts and demonstrating the ability to build substantial innings.
In the recent ODI series against England, Rohit Sharma showcased his class with a magnificent century, while Shubman Gill impressed with well-crafted half-centuries.
Their consistent performances and proven chemistry made it difficult to justify disrupting the opening combination.
3. Tactical Flexibility and the Need for a Varied Spin Attack:
Team selections are not solely based on individual talent but also on the overall tactical requirements and balance of the squad.
In this instance, Jaiswal’s exclusion seems to have been driven by the strategic decision to strengthen the spin department by including Varun Chakaravarthy.
Varun Chakaravarthy, a mystery spinner with a unique repertoire, has earned his place in the squad through impressive performances, particularly in the T20I series.
His ability to bowl with variations and deceive batsmen makes him a valuable asset, especially considering the conditions expected in the Champions Trophy.
The team management likely anticipated helpful conditions for spin bowling, necessitating an extra spinner in the squad.
Varun Chakaravarthy offers a different dimension to India’s spin attack, potentially proving crucial in key moments.
