No Left-Handed Batters in India’s Champions Trophy Squad 2025? Ashwin Asks the Big Question

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, and Team India’s squad has become the hottest topic in cricket. 

Ravichandran Ashwin has raised an important point just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He’s asking: Is India’s squad really ready for the challenge? 

Let’s break down Ashwin’s concerns and what they mean for India’s chances.

The Big Question: Where Are the Left-Handed Batters?

One of Ashwin’s biggest worries is the lack of left-handed batters in India’s top order. Players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer dominate the team, but they’re all right-handed.

Why does this matter? In cricket, having a mix of right and left-handed batters is very important. The right-left combination makes it harder for bowlers to settle in, especially when they have to switch between different types of batters. Right now, India’s squad is missing that variety.

Ashwin suggests Yashasvi Jaiswal, a talented left-hander, could be a perfect fit. But that means changes in the batting order. Could this mean moving Shubman Gill to No. 3 and Virat Kohli to No. 4? What happens to Shreyas Iyer’s spot? These are tough choices, but Ashwin believes Jaiswal’s inclusion could make a difference.

The No. 8 Spot: Who Will Fill It?

Another point Ashwin raises is India’s No. 8 spot. This position is often filled by a player who can bat and bowl—someone who gives the team extra strength in both departments. Right now, Ashwin feels there’s a gap here.

Could Washington Sundar be the solution? Sundar is an all-rounder, and his ability to bat and bowl could be exactly what India needs at No. 8. His inclusion would make India’s squad more flexible. But will the selectors go with him?

Dew and Spin: The Challenge in Dubai

Ashwin also talks about the dew factor in Dubai, where India will play all their group-stage matches. Dew makes the ball wet, and it becomes difficult for bowlers to grip it properly. This could be a problem for spinners.

What does this mean? Ashwin suggests that, with dew affecting the ball, India may not want to play three spinners. Spinners struggle in wet conditions, so India might need to rethink their bowling attack to ensure they’re prepared for the challenge.

Washington Sundar: An Important Player?

Ashwin is a big fan of Washington Sundar, believing that Sundar’s all-round skills could help India’s squad balance out. If Sundar is placed at No. 8, he could bring much-needed depth to India’s batting and bowling line-up. His ability to perform under pressure might make him an important asset.

However, Sundar isn’t the only all-rounder on the team. Hardik Pandya is also a key player, known for his powerful batting and handy bowling. Could India use both Sundar and Pandya together to create the perfect balance? This combination could be crucial in making India’s squad even stronger.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Surprise Pick?

Lastly, Ashwin mentions Nitish Kumar Reddy as a potential option. He suggests that Reddy could be a strong addition to India’s fast-bowling department, possibly filling the No. 8 spot and helping India field a squad of four fast bowlers and two spinners.

Could Reddy’s inclusion make the squad even more competitive? It’s an interesting suggestion, but with so many talented players already in the mix, will he get the chance to prove his worth?

What’s Next for India’s Squad?

As Ashwin points out, there’s still a lot of time before the final squad is picked. India’s selectors will have to think carefully about the balance of the team. 

Will they include more left-handed batters? Should they adjust their No. 8 position? Can they field a balanced bowling attack in Dubai’s dew-heavy conditions? These are the questions that could shape India’s chances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Should India make these changes, or do they have the right squad already? All eyes are now on the Champions Trophy!

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s cheer our Men in Blue to victory!