Yograj Singh supports BCCI decision for ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Watch Video

New Delhi: India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement The much-awaited squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI series against England was announced by Team India on Saturday. Captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar took the stage to disclose the team composition during a press conference. One of the highlights of the announcement was the appointment of Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of the team. The inclusion of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was confirmed, with Agarkar assuring that updates on his fitness will be shared in February. The squad also featured KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the preferred wicketkeepers, edging out Sanju Samson. However, Mohammed Siraj's omission raised a few eyebrows. On a positive note, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami made it to the squad after successful recoveries from their respective injuries. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was not present at the press conference, as he had already expressed his views in a prior meeting with Rohit and the selectors the night before.

Mohammed Siraj has been one of India’s most reliable pacers, bowling a total of 157.1 overs, the highest among Indian bowlers in recent times, just behind pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled 151.2 overs. Bumrah missed out on bowling in the final innings of the Test due to a back spasm. However, Australian captain Pat Cummins led the chart with the most overs bowled, delivering 167 overs across five games. Cummins also finished as the second-highest wicket-taker with 25 wickets at an average of 21.36, including a five-wicket haul.

While there has been considerable discussion around Bumrah’s heavy workload and Siraj’s occasional inconsistency, less attention has been given to Siraj’s own workload since the start of 2023. Since the beginning of that year, Siraj has played 57 matches for India, taking 104 wickets at an average of 27.89, with his best figures of 6/15 and three five-wicket hauls. During this period, he has bowled 683.5 overs, the most by any Indian pacer.

In comparison, Ravindra Jadeja, the spin all-rounder, has bowled the most overs overall, delivering 830 overs across 56 matches while taking 115 wickets. Siraj’s high workload, especially as a fast bowler, highlights his crucial role in India’s bowling attack across formats. Despite challenges, his consistent performance is vital for India’s pace attack.

Yograj Singh, former cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selectors for their thoughtful team selection for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and ODI series. In a recent statement, he expressed his happiness and support, saying, “I speak boldly sometimes, but I am truly happy with the decision. I want to congratulate the BCCI and selectors because those who have played cricket understand the game. They have retained the right players and supported the team.”

Chandigarh: Former Indian cricketer, Yograj Singh praised and congratulated the BCCI and selectors for the team announced to play in the Champions Trophy and ODI series.

He says, “Somewhere, I speak boldly, but I am very happy about this. I want to congratulate the BCCI and the… pic.twitter.com/eYihw2XhXT

— IANS (@ians_india) January 18, 2025

He also emphasized the importance of leadership, stating that Shubman Gill is a potential future leader, adding, “Shubman Gill is a leader in the making.” Yograj further spoke about the importance of having multiple leaders in the team, similar to the days of Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy, where there were many leaders in the squad, such as Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sourav himself, and even Sachin Tendulkar.

He went on to say, “With Bumrah in the team, we should have three to four captains. It is important for a team to have multiple leaders, as this brings strength and balance to the squad.” Yograj expressed his overall satisfaction with the team’s composition, stating his belief that players should always receive the necessary support to excel.

Concluding his message, he added, “I am delighted that the board and selectors made this decision. God bless the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).” Yograj’s praise reflects his belief in the value of strong leadership and his confidence in the current team’s direction.