Sat Jan 25 20:50:00 IST 2025: **Harbhajan Singh Criticizes India’s Champions Trophy Squad Selection**
Mumbai, January 25, 2025 – Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of Sanju Samson from India’s Champions Trophy squad. Despite Samson’s excellent form, the selectors opted for KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as wicketkeepers.
Singh told a sports media outlet that he felt Samson deserved a place in the 15-member squad, highlighting his impressive batting average of 55-56 in ODIs. He questioned the selection committee’s decision, stating that even a spot as a second wicketkeeper could have been considered for Samson.
Singh also criticized the continued omission of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal from the team. He pointed out that while the squad includes four spinners, two of them are left-arm, and the inclusion of Chahal would have added valuable variety. Singh questioned what Chahal had done to warrant his exclusion.
Finally, Singh commented on the likely opening partnership, predicting that Shubman Gill’s vice-captaincy virtually guarantees his place alongside Rohit Sharma, leaving little room for Yashasvi Jaiswal in the batting order.
First Piper 