Rohit Sharma Defends India’s Spin-heavy Champions Trophy Squad and Praises Shubman Gill’s Form | Cricket News

Rohit Responds to Criticism of India’s Spin-heavy Squad

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has hit back at suggestions that selecting five spinners for the Champions Trophy squad might be excessive, especially considering the flat conditions expected at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The criticism, voiced by UAE head coach and former India opener Lalchand Rajput, centered on the notion that the pitches in Dubai might favor pace over spin.

Rohit, addressing the media ahead of India’s tournament opener against Bangladesh, clarified that three of the five spinners in the squad are versatile all-rounders. “There are two spinners, the other three are all-rounders,” he explained. “I am not looking at them as five spinners. Those three guys—Jadeja, Axar, and Washi—bring a different dimension to the team, both with the bat and ball. This adds depth to the squad and strengthens our overall combination,” he emphasized.

India’s spin arsenal includes specialist spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are genuine all-rounders, giving India valuable flexibility. Rohit’s approach is clear: build the team around India’s strength in spin and add layers with players who can contribute in multiple areas.

Praise for Shubman Gill’s Stellar Form

Rohit also expressed his pleasure with Shubman Gill’s red-hot form. Gill, who had a tough time in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has bounced back in the ODIs against England, scoring 87, 60, and 112 in the series. These performances propelled him to the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings, replacing Pakistan’s Babar Azam.

“Gill is a very, very classy player. There was never any doubt about his ability,” Rohit said, highlighting Gill’s impressive record of 2,587 runs in 50 ODI matches at an average of 60.16. “The formats differ, and one poor series doesn’t define a player. Gill has been exceptional for us over the last few years. There’s a reason he’s the vice-captain of the team,” Rohit added, showing confidence that Gill will play a crucial role in the tournament.

Champions Trophy: A Key Tournament for India

Reflecting on the importance of the Champions Trophy, which takes place after an eight-year hiatus, Rohit emphasized that every ICC trophy matters. “Every title you play for is important. We’re here to lift the trophy, but there’s a lot to be done before we can do that. Our focus will be on getting things right on the field, one game at a time,” Rohit stated.

The Indian captain’s approach is clear: the team must stay focused and work together to succeed in the tournament.

The Dew Factor: Rohit Takes It in Stride

One element often discussed in Dubai is the potential dew factor, which can make bowling in the second innings challenging. However, Rohit doesn’t seem overly concerned. “Dew is unpredictable. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not,” he explained. “We can’t base our preparations around it. We’ve learned to adapt to whatever conditions we face.”

Rohit’s pragmatic view reflects his focus on adaptability and the need to focus on the game rather than unpredictable external factors.

Rohit Praises Young Pakistan Pacers

In a friendly moment, Rohit praised two young Pakistani net bowlers—Wasim Akram (named after the legendary pacer by his father) and Owais Ahmed—whom the Indian team faced during training. Rohit shared, “Both of them were really good bowlers. Our batters had positive feedback about them. It was good to see young talent like this.”

Rohit’s recognition of emerging talent highlights his respect for quality cricket, irrespective of the opposition.

Looking Ahead: India’s Path to Glory

As the 2025 Champions Trophy begins, India’s squad seems well-equipped, with strong batting depth, versatile all-rounders, and a spin-heavy attack. Rohit’s leadership will play a key role as India aims to secure their first Champions Trophy title in nearly a decade.

Do you think India’s spin-heavy squad will succeed on Dubai’s pitches? Will Shubman Gill continue his hot streak? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on the Champions Trophy!