Fans spark outrage over Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion from India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent shockwaves through the cricketing world on February 11 with its announcement of the updated  15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While squad changes are not uncommon ahead of major tournaments, the decisions this time have left fans and experts divided. The exclusion of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah due to injury have dominated the headlines, sparking heated debates across social media platforms.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s omission: A controversial call

While Bumrah’s injury was expected to be a talking point, the exclusion of Jaiswal from the squad has taken center stage. The young opener, who recently made his ODI debut against England in Nagpur, has been dropped in favour of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. Jaiswal’s debut was underwhelming, as he managed only 15 runs before being dismissed by Jofra Archer. In the second ODI, he was benched to accommodate Virat Kohli’s return, with Shubman Gill opening alongside Rohit Sharma.

Despite his limited ODI experience, Jaiswal has been in scintillating form in domestic cricket and other formats. His ability to play aggressive yet composed innings has earned him a reputation as one of India’s most promising young talents. His exclusion has left fans baffled, especially given his recent performances and potential to be a game-changer.

Varun Chakaravarthy: A gamble or a masterstroke?

In place of Jaiswal, the selectors have opted for Chakaravarthy, the mystery spinner who made his ODI debut in Cuttack. Chakaravarthy had an impressive T20I series, where he picked up 14 wickets, showcasing his ability to deceive batters with his variations. However, his inclusion in the ODI squad for a major tournament like the Champions Trophy has raised questions about the team’s balance.

While Chakaravarthy’s skills are undeniable, his limited experience in the 50-over format makes his selection a gamble. The decision to prioritize a spinner over a young, dynamic opener like Jaiswal has left many wondering if the selectors are overestimating the need for spin options in the tournament.

Fans backlash over Jaiswal’s exclusion

The announcement of the squad has triggered a massive backlash from fans, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The hashtag #Jaiswal began trending within hours of the squad announcement, with fans expressing their frustration and disbelief over the exclusion of the young opener. Many questioned the logic behind dropping a player with such immense potential, while others accused the selectors of favouritism and poor decision-making.

Fans pointed to Jaiswal’s recent performances in domestic and international cricket, arguing that he deserved a chance to prove himself on the big stage. Some even compared his situation to that of other young players who were given consistent opportunities to shine. The outrage highlights the emotional connect fans have with rising stars and their desire to see them succeed.

As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the spotlight will remain on the Indian team and its controversial squad selections. While the absence of Bumrah and the exclusion of Jaiswal have raised concerns, the team still boasts a strong lineup with the likes of Rohit, Kohli, and Gill. The onus will now be on the players to silence the critics and deliver a stellar performance in the tournament.

Also READ: Explained: Why Yashasvi Jaiswal has been dropped from the 15-man India squad for Champions Trophy 2025?

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: India’s Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025; replacement announced




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