India's Champions Trophy Squad Decisions Raise Questions Over Selection Strategy

Gautam Gambhir defends team choices while Ravichandran Ashwin critiques the inclusion of five spinners for Dubai conditions.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir clarified that Shreyas Iyer was always part of India's Champions Trophy plans despite initial benching rumors.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, after a single ODI appearance against England, was dropped from the Champions Trophy squad in favor of spinner Varun Chakravarthy.
Ravichandran Ashwin expressed concerns about India's decision to include five spinners, questioning the suitability of such a strategy for Dubai's pitches.
Jasprit Bumrah's unavailability due to a back injury has further complicated India's bowling balance, with limited fast-bowling options in the squad.
India's Champions Trophy campaign begins on February 20 against Bangladesh, with no practice matches scheduled ahead of the tournament.