What’s Going On? Agarkar, Rohit & Gambhir’s Bizarre Revised Squad Leave Fans Stunned
The BCCI has announced a revised squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, making some last-minute changes before ICC’s final submission deadline on February 11, 2025. But instead of making smart, tactical tweaks, the selectors—led by Ajit Agarkar, captain Rohit Sharma, and coach Gautam Gambhir—have made some jaw-dropping decisions. The biggest shockers?
- Harshit Rana, with just 2 ODIs to his name, is replacing Jasprit Bumrah instead of Mohammed Siraj, a top-10 ODI bowler!
- Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is being considered as a replacement for opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. (Yes, you read that right—a bowler for a batter!)
These baffling calls have disappointed fans, experts, and even cricket betting sites.
A look at #TeamIndia‘s updated squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 🙌#ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/FchaclveBL
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 12, 2025
How Can Harshit Rana Replace Bumrah When Siraj is Available?
Bumrah’s injury was already a huge blow, but picking Harshit Rana, who has barely played international cricket, over Siraj—a world-class pacer—makes zero sense. What’s the logic here? If form and experience matter, how is Siraj sitting in the reserves while an untested bowler takes his place? Is this about team strategy or some behind-the-scenes favoritism?
Varun Chakravarthy for Yashasvi Jaiswal – Is This a Joke?
This one is truly bizarre. Varun Chakravarthy is a specialist spinner, while Jaiswal is a pure top-order batter. How can one replace the other? This isn’t just an odd selection—it’s a basic cricketing blunder. If the team needed a backup batter, plenty of other solid choices were available. So why this strange swap? Is the selection committee picking names out of a hat at this point?
Some Good Calls—But Do They Make Up for the Blunders?
It’s not all bad—Mohammed Shami’s return is a welcome move, and Arshdeep Singh getting a spot makes sense given his recent performances. But when your squad is full of mind-boggling selections, a few good picks don’t make up for the chaos.
Is Gambhir’s Influence Hurting India More Than Helping?
With Gautam Gambhir stepping in as head coach, fans expected a strong, no-nonsense team selection. Instead, we’re seeing what looks like a last-minute, directionless gamble. Is Gambhir really calling the shots, or is there a deeper selection politics at play between him, Agarkar, and Rohit?
India’s Champions Trophy Hopes: Heading for Disaster?
With untested bowlers replacing world-class pacers and a bowler being considered instead of a batter, this squad could either shock the world or completely fall apart. One thing’s for sure—this isn’t the squad fans were expecting. Here take a look at how fans reacted on ‘X’
Where is BCCI Common Sence Knowledge :-
Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh >>> Harshit Rana
MOHAMMED SHAMI Already Out Of rhythm
5 spinners
No back up pacer
No back up batter #BCCI #Siraj #Shami #Arshdeep
pic.twitter.com/m3pYkKFECT— FREE HIT (@FREEHIT06) February 12, 2025
Fortunes changed quickly for Yashasvi Jaiswal.
– ODI debut.
– Dropped next match.
– Removed from Champions Trophy squad and replaced by Varun Chakravarthy.pic.twitter.com/wuXpFggjBM— Inside out (@INSIDDE_OUT) February 11, 2025
– 71 Wickets, 24.06 average.
– 22 wickets, 23.4 ave in 2022.
– 44 wickets, 20.6 ave in 2023.
– 3 wickets in 2024.
– 6/21 in Asia Cup Final.
– Last Indian to achieve No.1 ODI rankings.Feel for Mohammad Siraj, He isn’t part of Champions Trophy – Hope he mord Comeback strong. 👊💪 pic.twitter.com/de0d1kjZVt
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 12, 2025
What do you think—a bold strategy or a selection blunder of epic proportions? Let us know in the comments!
Anmol, a passionate cricket journalist with over five years of diving deep into the game, has left his mark on top platforms like ESPNcricinfo, SportsKeeda, Times of India, and Hindustan Times. From covering the electrifying highs of the IPL to tracking the Indian Cricket Team’s every move, he’s built a reputation for sharp insights and storytelling that resonates with fans. Now, channelling that love for cricket and his knack for spotting game-changing moments. IPL betting enthusiasts can find thoughtful analysis, timely updates, and tips that feel straight from a lively chat at the stadium.
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