The cricketing world was abuzz with the announcement of India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, particularly with the notable exclusion of Mohammed Siraj, the pace spearhead for Royal Challengers Bengaluru until his recent move to Gujarat Titans.
Adding to the conversation, former RCB teammate and one of the most celebrated cricketers of his time, AB de Villiers, shared his perspective on this controversial decision.
De Villiers on Siraj’s Exclusion
“I don’t think (Mohammed) Siraj’s absence will affect the Indian bowling unit. He’s looked unsettled for quite some time. It might be due to the Australia tour, he bowled a lot of overs and gave his complete energy,” de Villiers remarked in a recent interview.
His comments reflect a deep understanding of the physical and mental toll that a prolonged tour can have on a player, especially one like Siraj who has been pivotal in India’s bowling attack.
However, de Villiers was quick to add a note of optimism and support for Siraj, acknowledging his talent and potential for a comeback.
“He did well sometimes but not enough the other times. I think he is unable to hold the ball strongly. I am disappointed that he didn’t find a place. He’s an incredible bowler, I am convinced he will be back,” he stated, showing his belief in Siraj’s resilience and skill.
The camaraderie between de Villiers and Siraj was evident during their time together at RCB, where they shared the dressing room in de Villiers’ final seasons before retiring from the IPL in 2021.
This context adds a layer of authenticity to de Villiers’ remarks, coming from someone who has seen Siraj’s growth firsthand.
AB de Villiers Backs India to Win
Beyond the discussion about Siraj, de Villiers expressed strong confidence in India’s chances at the Champions Trophy.
He emphasized the strategic composition of the team, particularly highlighting the balance between batting and bowling resources.
“I think this is a tournament-winning team. First of all, their matches will be held in UAE. This is because they’ve picked a batting-heavy team. It’s because to win big ICC tournaments, you need a strong batting team,” de Villiers explained.
He drew parallels with successful teams in past ICC events, like the Australian side in the ODI World Cup, where deep batting line-ups played a crucial role in clinching victories.
“We’ve always seen Australia and in the World Cup, they batted deep and won the match. For example – Glenn Maxwell’s double century against Afghanistan,” he noted, underscoring the importance of having all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.
India’s current squad indeed boasts an impressive depth in batting with the inclusion of four all-rounders: Hardik Pandya as the sole fast-bowling all-rounder, and Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar providing spin options.
This composition not only strengthens the batting but also offers flexibility in bowling strategies, which is vital in the high-pressure environment of ICC tournaments.
The Pace Attack Conundrum
Despite the focus on batting, India’s pace attack remains a topic of intrigue. With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh named in the squad, the selectors have opted for experience and variety.
Bumrah, although dealing with a back spasm during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) where he did not bowl in the second innings, remains a cornerstone of the team’s bowling strategy.
His absence from bowling in that match after contributing with the bat has raised concerns, but his inclusion shows the team’s faith in his recovery.
Shami, who last played an international match in 2023, is making a comeback, with expectations high for his performance.
He missed the first T20I against England due to knee concerns but is slated to play in the series, indicating his importance to the team, especially in conditions where his experience could be decisive.
Arshdeep Singh, with his left-arm pace and ability to swing the new ball, adds another dimension to the attack, offering variety and the capability to trouble batsmen at different phases of the game.
In Summary
AB de Villiers’ insights into the Indian team‘s composition for the Champions Trophy 2025 provide a nuanced view of current cricketing strategies.
His support for the decision to drop Siraj, while also backing him for a strong return, reflects the complex dynamics of team selection in high-stakes cricket.
Moreover, his confidence in India’s squad, particularly their batting depth, suggests that despite the absence of Siraj, India is well-equipped to challenge for the trophy.
The trio of pacers, each with their unique strengths, alongside a robust middle order, positions India as a formidable contender.
As the tournament nears, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see if de Villiers’ predictions come to fruition, with hopes pinned on a blend of experience, youth, and strategic selection to end India’s wait for another ICC trophy.
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