Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed his views on the recently announced Indian squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma unveiled the 15-member team, notably excluding players like Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, and Karun Nair.
Pathan highlighted the potential impact of these omissions, particularly focusing on Sanju Samson. He remarked, “If I were Sanju Samson, I’d be gutted.” This sentiment reflects the disappointment that Samson might feel after being left out, especially considering his recent performances in T20Is, including a century against Bangladesh.
Regarding the bowling lineup, Pathan suggested that the squad might benefit from an additional fast bowler, given the injury histories of some selected pacers. He stated, “One more fast bowler could have been added, especially given the existing injury concerns.”
On a positive note, Pathan praised Shubman Gill’s retention as vice-captain, indicating his potential future leadership role. He commented, “Shubman Gill is on the right path for leadership—he’s had a phenomenal year in ODI cricket.”
Addressing Mohammed Siraj’s absence, Pathan speculated that it might be due to workload management, acknowledging Siraj’s consistent performance over the past years. He noted, “Siraj missing out is likely due to workload management. His numbers are good.”
The selection decisions have sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, with many analyzing the balance and strategy of the squad as India prepares for the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
