NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, has expressed his strong support for the BCCI and its selectors regarding the squad announcement for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking to ANI, Yograj lauded the decision-making process and highlighted the importance of retaining senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, despite concerns about their recent form.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
“I really want to congratulate the BCCI and selectors who supported the team,” said Yograj Singh. “I have always said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should not be dropped. If you drop them, then your team will fall apart. We may have lost in Australia, but we should not forget that we have beaten them in two series too.”
The 15-member squad was unveiled on Saturday during a press conference by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Yograj voiced his satisfaction with the stability reflected in the selections, noting his initial apprehension about the possible exclusion of key players.
India squad for ICC Champions Trophy
- Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
“I was worried that 5-6 people might be dropped – Shubman or Virat could be among them. I was supporting them, so I think this is the best thing that has happened. I want to congratulate the board, the think tank, and the selectors. I appreciate these people,” Yograj added.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled from February 19 to March 9. Under a hybrid hosting arrangement, matches will be held in Pakistan and the UAE, with India playing all their games in the UAE.
India will open their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. The team’s final league match is against New Zealand on March 2.
The tournament will feature eight teams split into two groups. Group A includes hosts and defending champions Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B comprises Cricket World Cup 2023 winners Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
