ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Harbhajan Singh lashes out! Shocking exclusions of two star players revealed
Xtra Time Web Desk: Harbhajan Singh has criticized the selectors for omitting wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and batter Sanju Samson from India's 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite a spin-heavy lineup featuring Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, Chahal was left out, raising questions about the lack of variety in the spin attack.
Chahal last represented India in ODIs during the series against New Zealand in January 2023 and has since been sidelined, missing out on key tournaments like the ODI World Cup 2023. Harbhajan expressed disappointment, saying.
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"You've picked four spinners, two of them are left-armers. You could've included a leg-spinner for variation. Chahal is a superb bowler. I don't know what wrong he did that he doesn't fit in this team."
In his ODI career, the 34-year-old Chahal has played 72 matches, taking 121 wickets at an average of 27.13 and an economy of 5.26. Notably, he warmed the bench during the T20 World Cup 2024, where Axar, Jadeja, and Kuldeep were preferred in the playing XI.
Harbhajan defends Sanju Samson's case
Harbhajan also voiced concerns over Sanju Samson's exclusion, highlighting the wicketkeeper-batter's impressive numbers in ODIs. Samson has an exceptional average of 56.66, amassing 510 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 99.60, with one century and three fifties.
"I feel bad for him. He scores runs but gets dropped. His batting suits the format, but he isn’t even there as a second wicketkeeper. When we talk about selecting him, people ask, in whose place? Places can be made," Harbhajan remarked.
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Despite his remarkable form, including three centuries in his last six T20I innings and a ton against South Africa in December 2023, Samson has struggled to find favor with selectors. Rishabh Pant remains the first-choice wicketkeeper, leaving little room for Samson in the squad.
Both omissions have sparked debates about team selection as India prepares for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
