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BCCI finally announced India’s 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy slated to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19.
Both captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar attended the press conference to announce the squad. However, in a squad of 15 members, some deserving players are bound to miss out. Here are 3 Indian players who missed out of the Champions Trophy 2025 squad:
1. Mohammed Siraj
The most surprising and notable omission from the squad is fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. His ODI form was not in question but it was surprising to see him getting dropped from the squad. However, it was cleared in the press conference that the Indian team needed only three fast bowlers in the squad, and with Mohammed Shami returning and Arshdeep Singh included, Siraj missed out.
Sirah has played 44 ODIs so far and picked up 71 wickets at an average of 24.04 and an economy of 5.18 with a five-wicket haul to his name. He was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup 2023 win as well. Siraj still has a chance to make it to the squad if Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t get fit in time, but for now, he deserves a place in the team.
2. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson, on current form, undoubtedly deserved a place in India’s Champions Trophy squad. He is renowned for his exceptional skills and Samson has showcased his ability consistently, especially in the last 12-18 months. He has sealed his place in the T20I side notching up multiple centuries opening the innings against South Africa.
In 16 ODIs played so far, Samson has scored 510 runs at an average of 56.66 with one century and three fifties to his name. With Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul already selected as wicketkeepers, Samson would’ve been a luxury for the role. But on form, he definitely deserved his place in the Champions Trophy squad.
3. Karun Nair
This name might surprise many but Karun Nair is in such a great form that his name was doing the rounds. He led Vidarbha to the finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy leading from the front with the bat. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Nair’s name was discussed but there was no place for him to be included.
Nair has played 6 Tests and two ODIs for India so far scoring 374 and 46 runs respectively. Moreover, his most famous triple century came in Tests against England. Having last played for India in 2017, Nair is once again banging the doors of the national side thanks to his brilliant form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Nair amassed 779 runs in 8 innings of the tournament at a staggering average of 389.5 with five centuries and a fifty to his name. He remained unbeaten on six occasions also showcasing his ability to go big and finish matches. Nair will be hoping to get a chance after the Champions Trophy having now banged the doors with superb form in domestic cricket.
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