NEW DELHI, Jan 19: Former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina expressed that middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav will be a significant loss for the upcoming Champions Trophy, as he could have brought the ‘X-factor’ to the matches in Dubai, where Rohit Sharma’s team will compete in all their games.
The Champions Trophy squad announced on Saturday saw notable absences, including Suryakumar and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, among a total of six players from the 2023 ODI World Cup lineup.
The other players left out are Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Ishan Kishan, while Ravichandran Ashwin has recently announced his retirement.
Raina commented on Star Sports Press Room, “Surya was a key member of the World Cup team, capable of scoring at 9 runs an over at any stage. He can dominate attacks and has a unique batting style.”
He further added, “Without Surya, there’s a void in terms of the X-factor. The top three players need to step up, especially since they haven’t been in form. Surya is adaptable, capable of batting in any position.”
Raina noted the uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and Mohammed Shami’s injury recovery, suggesting that Siraj might have been a better choice, although he believes there’s still a chance for the Hyderabad pacer to be included.
“Siraj showed great form in Australia, and there’s room to make changes up until 12 February. If Bumrah isn’t fully fit, Siraj could make it back into the team,” he said.
“Harshit Rana has shown promise with his pace and variations, complementing Arshdeep Singh for death bowling. However, Siraj remains the preferable option if Bumrah isn’t available.”
As Bumrah continues to recover from back spasms suffered during the recent Sydney Test against Australia, Shami is making his return to the ODI setup for the first time since the 2023 World Cup due to a heel injury.
Rohit will captain the squad, with young talent Shubman Gill appointed vice-captain for the Champions Trophy, a move Raina praised as visionary.
“Gill’s vice-captaincy comes at an ideal time. He’s poised to be the next superstar of Indian cricket and has performed exceptionally in ODIs. Rohit knows how to guide young players and the impact Shubman can make,” stated Raina, who was part of India’s 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team.
Considering Dubai’s typically slow and turning pitches, Raina emphasized the crucial role that left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya will have in the bowling lineup.
“Shami’s lack of match fitness, Bumrah’s uncertain status, and Kuldeep’s recovery from surgery make it vital to identify who will partner with Kuldeep in the spin department.”
India has claimed the Champions Trophy title twice — once in 2002 alongside Sri Lanka and again in 2013 in England. Raina firmly believes that Rohit and his team have a strong chance to achieve victory.
“Rohit has the capability, and the team has depth, but the player combination out of the 15 selected will be pivotal. The pitches may be slower, but we have the talent to succeed.”
Raina also endorsed Rishabh Pant as the top wicket-keeping choice for the team, which includes KL Rahul.
“Pant is definitely the first choice; his wicket-keeping skills have improved. However, he must adopt a more responsible approach in the 50-over format. If he anchors the innings for 40-50 balls, he can turn the match in our favor, but he needs to spend more time at the crease.” (Agencies)
