No Rohit Sharma In Ashwin's Champions Trophy 2025 Team

Ravichandran Ashwin did not include Rohit Sharma in his lineup, a surprising decision given Rohit's captaincy in securing the title for India.

For the opening pair, Ashwin picked Rachin Ravindra and Ben Duckett.

Source : IANS

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has named his Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament, and one of his biggest omissions has raised eyebrows - India's title-winning captain Rohit Sharma. While Ashwin included four Indian players, he opted for New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner as the 12th man instead.

No Rohit, but Kohli and Iyer find a spot

For the opening pair, Ashwin picked Rachin Ravindra and Ben Duckett. Rachin, the tournament's highest run-scorer with 263 runs, was named Player of the Tournament, while Duckett contributed 227 runs. However, Ashwin did not include Rohit Sharma in his lineup, a surprising decision given Rohit's captaincy in securing the title for India.

Virat Kohli takes the No. 3 spot after delivering crucial performances, including an 84-run masterclass in the semi-final against Australia. Shreyas Iyer slots in at No. 4, while Ashwin has chosen Josh Inglis as his team's wicketkeeper.

Omarzai, Bracewell, and a spin-dominant attack

Ashwin has selected Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai and New Zealand's Michael Bracewell as the all-rounders. Omarzai impressed with his ability to contribute in all departments, while Bracewell played a major role for New Zealand.

In the bowling department, Ashwin has favored spin, choosing Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. Varun was India's highest wicket-taker, with 9 wickets in just 3 matches, while Kuldeep delivered a match-winning spell in the final, dismissing Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson in consecutive overs.

Only one pacer, no Shami

For pace bowling, Ashwin has picked just one specialist fast bowler: Matt Henry. Henry finished as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 10 wickets. However, Ashwin left out Mohammed Shami, a notable omission.

Finally, Mitchell Santner was named the 12th man, recognizing his contributions as New Zealand's captain and all-rounder.

R Ashwin's team of Champions Trophy 2025: Rachin Ravindra, Ben Duckett, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, David Miller, Azmatullah Omarzai, Michael Bracewell, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Matt Henry. 12th man: Mitchell Santner.