Suresh Raina Surprised With 'Game Changer' Suryakumar Yadav's Absence From Champions Trophy Squad
Raina has questioned Suryakumar Yadav's absence from India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad, which was announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday.
Former Indian batter Suresh Raina is surprised by Suryakumar Yadav’s omission from India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Surya is India’s T20I captain, but he was not included in India’s 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against England as well as the ICC Champions Trophy. According to Raina, India will miss X-factor Surya’s presence in Dubai, where the Rohit Sharma-led side is scheduled to play all its matches.
“India looks like a strong side. I am confident Rohit will take India to glory. But I was surprised with Surya’s exclusion from the team. India will miss that X-factor, and that too in the middle order. We saw Surya’s performance in the 2023 World Cup. He was scoring runs all over the ground, which is why he is called Mr. 360. He plays superb sweep shots and is a game-changer. He has the ability to chase a required run rate of 9-plus against top teams. He should have been in the squad," Raina was quoted as saying by Times of India.
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The former left-handed batter, who was part of MS Dhoni-led sides that won the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013, said India needed a player who could dominate the opposition in middle overs.
“India needed a player who could dominate the opposition in the middle overs. The dimensions of the Dubai ground are unique—you have small areas in front and larger ones towards the covers. Surya would have utilised these conditions exceptionally well," he said.
“In his absence, there will be a lot of responsibility on the top three batters, who are also not in the best form. In the middle overs, will India go with KL Rahul, or will Rishabh move up the order? Or will Shubman open the innings with Rohit? There’s a lot to consider right now. If Suryakumar had been in the squad, he could have provided flexibility with his ability to bat anywhere in the order," he added.
Surya, who will lead India in the five-match T20I series against England from January 22, last played a 50-over match for Men in Blue on November 19, 2023, against Australia in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup 2023 final.
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