Yograj Singh Supports India's Champions Trophy Squad and Future Leadership

Chandigarh, Jan 18 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer and coach Yograj Singh praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their decision-making in selecting the 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The chief selector of India, Ajit Agarkar, announced the squad for the three-match ODI series as well as the Champions Trophy during a session that included captain Rohit Sharma at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday.

Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain for both ODI series, while Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are part of the squad. Notably, India pacer Mohammed Siraj has been omitted from the team, with Arshdeep Singh being chosen instead.

“I am really pleased and I want to commend the selectors and the BCCI. The individuals who have played the game are the ones who have compiled this team. They have kept the right players; Rohit will lead the side and Shubman Gill will serve as vice-captain because he is destined to lead in the future.

“This is the right approach, and we should stand by players who are experiencing tough times. I believe Abhishekh Sharma should also have been included in the team, as he has the potential to become a significant player, and this is a wonderful chance for him to learn,” Singh conveyed to IANS.

India, the two-time winners of the Champions Trophy, will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a match against their arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23, and a game against New Zealand on March 2.

Singh also supported the BCCI's initiative to enforce strict regulations for the senior men's team to maintain discipline among squad members after suffering two consecutive Test series losses against New Zealand and Australia, including restrictions on family accompanying players during tours.

“When traveling with the team, what is the purpose of having your family along? It disrupts focus. You can enjoy family time after retiring, but while representing your country, carrying extra baggage like personal chefs is unnecessary. Family members often lack cricket knowledge; why bring them along? When playing, the team becomes your family, and I don’t see any need for that. I oppose it,” he concluded.

India squad for the England ODI series and Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill (vc), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Harshit Rana (England ODIs only).