Suryakumar Yadav’s exclusion from India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 can be attributed to several key factors related to his recent performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and domestic cricket.
Reason for Exclusion
- Lack of ODI Form: Suryakumar has struggled to find form in ODIs, which is critical for selection in a tournament like the Champions Trophy. His performances during the 2023 ODI World Cup were underwhelming, leading to questions about his ability to contribute effectively in the 50-over format.
- Poor Domestic Performance: His recent showing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a significant domestic 50-over tournament, was disappointing. He failed to score runs, which further diminished his chances of selection. Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer, emphasized that not only has Yadav not been playing ODIs, but he also hasn’t made a mark in domestic competitions.
- Competition for Spots: The competition for places in the ODI squad is intense, with other players like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul performing well and solidifying their positions. Iyer, in particular, has been in excellent form, scoring consistently in recent matches.
- Strategic Selection Decisions: The selection committee appears to be focusing on players who have been actively contributing in ODIs and domestic formats. With Yadav’s lack of recent game time and runs, he was deemed a risky choice compared to others who are currently performing better.
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In summary, Suryakumar Yadav’s absence from the Champions Trophy squad is primarily due to his inconsistent ODI performances and lack of impactful contributions in domestic cricket, coupled with strong competition from other players who have demonstrated better form recently.
