'Doesn't mean the current players should be dropped..': Shubman Gill's massive remark on Karun Nair's snub from India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad

'Doesn't mean the current players should be dropped..': Shubman Gill's massive remark on Karun Nair's snub from India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad
Shubman Gill in frame

Story Highlights:

India set to face England in three ODIs.

The first ODI will take place in Nagpur.

Shubman Gill speaks on Karun Nair.

In response to Karun Nair's exclusion from the Champions Trophy roster, India vice-captain Shubman Gill stated that consistency is crucial for the Indian squad. Karun was in outstanding form during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and has recently been experiencing a career comeback. The Vidarbha batter averaged 389.50 while scoring 779 runs in 8 games during the competition. Karun was left out of the England series and Champions Trophy squads despite his excellent play.

Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, disclosed that the Vidarbha batter's name was on the list for selection and that he would be given consideration for upcoming assignments. Gill stated during the pre-first ODI press conference that Karun's good form does not imply that the current squad should be benched.

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Shubman Gill on Karun Nair

Gill believed that players' confidence would be impacted by frequent cutting and switching and that without continuity, they could not develop a successful squad.

"Karun had a great Vijay Hazare Trophy, but that doesn't mean the current players should be dropped. They have also performed well to reach this stage. We have lost only one game in the World Cups. The players in the squad have contributed significantly, and while it's unfortunate for those excelling in domestic cricket who weren't picked, constant chopping and changing will affect players' confidence. Without continuity, we can never build a strong team," said Gill.

 

 

The England series is their final assignment before India travel to Dubai for their Champions Trophy matches. Gill claimed that the hosts were not viewing the three-match series as practice matches and that their goal was to dominate and win the series.

"We are playing against a good side and three ODIs, and we are not taking this as practice for Champions Trophy as it is a very important series for us and we are looking to dominate and win this series like any other series," said Gill.

 

The first match of the series will be played in Nagpur, on February 6 (Thursday). Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return in action with this series.