Ravichandran Ashwin Raises Eyebrows Over India’s Spin Gamble for Champions Trophy

Ravichandran Ashwin raises concerns over India’s decision to take five spinners for the Champions Trophy, questioning the team balance and pitch conditions in Dubai. India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked debate, with veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioning the decision to include five spinners. The team originally had a balanced lineup, but after Jasprit Bumrah’s injury, the BCCI brought in young pacer Harshit Rana as his replacement. Additionally, Yashasvi Jaiswal was dropped in favor of Varun Chakravarthy, who impressed during his debut against England. This move left India with five spin options—Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed surprise at the selection. Ashwin emphasized that India’s two all-rounders, Axar and Jadeja, are automatic picks, along with Hardik Pandya, which leaves little room for additional spinners in the playing XI. He remarked "What I don't understand is the number of spinners we are taking to Dubai. 5 spinners and we have made Yashasvi Jaiswal sit out. Yeah I understand that we take 3 or 4 spinners for a tour. But 5 spinners in Dubai? I don't know." Ashwin also raised concerns about the balance of the squad. He acknowledged Kuldeep Yadav’s importance but questioned whether there was room for Varun Chakravarthy. The former spinner also wondered if the team management was expecting Dubai pitches to favor spin that will fit in so many spinners in the squad. "I don't think there is any doubt that Kuldeep Yadav will walk into the team. So how will you make space for Varun. Is he bowling well? Of course. Either you bring in Varun and Kuldeep as a duo, which I feel would be good. But my question is, in Dubai, are you expecting the ball to turn? I feel a bit uncomfortable with the team." India will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. Source: [Cricket Gully] (https://cricketgully.com/cricket-news/ravichandran-ashwin-raises-eyebrows-over-indias-spin-gamble-for-champions-trophy-3422)