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Suryakumar Yadav has come to terms with Champions Trophy snub after his non-selection in India's 15-member squad for the showpiece tournament which is set to start from February 19.
On being asked about his exclusion from India's squad for Champions Trophy 2025, Suryakumar Yadav admitted that he has accepted it. He also said that the reason behind his exclusion is his dismal performance in the ODIs.
Suryakumar Yadav reveals reason behind Champions Trophy snub
"Why hurt? It's about accepting it. If you see the squad, it's really looking good: Suryakumar Yadav on his exclusion from Champions Trophy squad. It hurts that I haven't done well in ODIs. That's why I'm not in the Champions Trophy squad. If I had done well, I would have been there," Suryakumar said in the pre-match press conference ahead of first T20I against England.
Suryakumar's ODI record has been underwhelming, with 476 runs in 25 matches at a dismal average of 23.8 and only two fifties. His struggles were particularly evident in 2023, where he managed to score only 68 runs in eight ODIs, averaging below 10.
His poor form was most noticeable during the home series against Australia and New Zealand. Despite promising starts in some matches, he failed to convert them into substantial scores. Notably, he registered three consecutive golden ducks against Australia in the home ODI series.
India's squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Meanwhile, Suryakumar is gearing up to lead India in the five-match T20I series against England, starting from January 22. He expressed his excitement ahead of the T20I series against England, which begins at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
"Eden Gardens is always special. It's a special feeling, my franchise cricket started from here. I have played under Gautam Gambhir. The understanding is very good," he added.
Yadav concluded by saying that he's enjoying the journey and looking forward to the challenge against England.
"It's always a good challenge against England, whether it's T20 or any else. We have also a similar kind of batting order and bowling also. We have discussed and planned about the team," he further said.
After the T20I outing, India will play a three-match ODI series against England from February 6, in a precursor of Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, England have announced their playing XI for the T20I series opener against India. Jos Buttler will lead the side. The opening pair will consist of Ben Duckett and Phil Salt. Buttler himself will bat in the middle order, joined by Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell. The pace attack boasts a formidable lineup, featuring Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood. Adil Rashid will be the sole spinner in the side.
England's playing XI for 1st T20I against India
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (WK), Jos Buttler (C), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
India's T20I squad for England series:
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya , Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel (wk).
