Ajit Agarkar reveals the reason behind not picking in-form Karun Nair in India’s Champions Trophy squad
Karun Nair has been in phenomenal form, scoring 752 runs in seven innings for Vidarbha in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy
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Karun Nair (Via BCCI/X)
The BCCI has officially announced India’s 15-man squad for the three-match home ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. Despite his stellar performances in domestic cricket this season, Karun Nair, who was widely discussed as a potential pick for the mega event, has not been included in the squad.
Nair has scored 752 runs (barring the final, which is scheduled to be played on Saturday) for Vidarbha while leading the side at a staggering batting average of 752 in seven innings. He has also scored five centuries in those seven innings with a strike-rate of 125.96. Nair played the most important part in Vidarbha’s qualification to the final, where they will face off against Karnataka.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was asked about the reason behind ignoring Nair for a spot in the CT 2025 squad. He stated that they did have a discussion about Nair, but revealed that it is not possible to give a place to everyone in the 15-man squad. However, Agarkar did go on to praise Nair for his special performances in domestic cricket for Vidarbha.
We had a chat about Karun Nair. But it’s difficult to fit in everyone in this squad. If there’s an injury, there could be a discussion around him. Someone averages 700+, those are special performances. At the moment, finding a spot in this team is difficult.
Ajit Agarkar said at the press-conference
Mohammed Siraj has missed out on India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammed Siraj, who has been an integral part of the Indian team in all three formats in recent times, missed out on a place in the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. He has struggled to be among the wickets in LOIs in 2024.
Siraj was part of three matches in the T20 World Cup 2024 and scalped just one wicket. He also played three ODIs in 2024 and picked up just three wickets. Captain Rohit Sharma talked about the decision to not pick Siraj in the CT 2025 squad.
We are not sure about Bumrah, whether he was going to play or not. So, we thought we wanted someone who can bowl with the new ball and at the backend. So we picked Arshdeep to bowl at the backend. Shami, we all saw what he can do with the new ball. Siraj, his effectiveness comes down when he is not bowling with the new ball.
Rohit Sharma said at the press-conference.
Sharma expressed that it was unfortunate that Siraj had to miss out. However, he stressed the fact that they had to pick players who could play perfect roles for the team.
Siraj has shined with the new ball and has the qualities to make the new ball talk. However, he has struggled to contain runs at the death. Arshdeep Singh has qualities to shine with both the new ball and at the death.
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Rohit Sarkar
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