Former India spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin symathises with current chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar. Ashwin said that it is tough to be in decision-making position in Indian cricket right now as there is plenty of players who are doing well and not enough slots to fill. Amidst criticism around the squad selected for ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Ashwin explained the selectors' predicament with an example.
“I mean, I don’t want to be the chairman of selectors or team manager or be in this decision-making position," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“In the upcoming IPL season, if both [Shubman] Gill and Ruturaj [Gaikwad] score runs, it’s going to be a problem of plenty (for the selectors). As fans of the Indian cricket team, we are blessed to have a pool of such talented players."
Gill has been made vice-captain of the ODI side. With Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opening in T20Is, there is no place for Ruturaj Gaikwad despite a century against Australia. Also, Gill wasn't selected for T20Is either and played a Ranji Trophy match.
Ashwin's advice for selectors
Despite having a large talent pool to choose from, Ashwin had an advice for selectors as well. He feels that the parameters of selections should be based on their ability to perform under pressure and not just their recent performances.
“Going forward, we must ensure that whatever the performances are, we will have to focus on pressure parameters for a big tournament. We will have to give some weightage to players who do well under pressure. Because, in modern cricket, there are plenty of talented players who time the ball very well," the 38-year-old said.
Key players missing from Champions Trophy 2025 squad
Currently, the selectors have been facing flak for not picking wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Also, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh questioned the presence of two left-arm orthodox spinners in the squad.