'No second chances in Champions Trophy' - Navjot Singh Sidhu on India having five spinners in squad

Former cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has opened up on India's squad selection and the inclusion of five spinners in the squad.

Sidhu mentioned that no team has ever opted for such a spin-oriented bowling unit in the history of any tournament, stating that there is margin for error at such events. Sidhu also took to the notice that India's opponents in the group-stage, specifically New Zealand, have key left-handed batters like Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham and Devon Conway, making the off-spinner an invaluable asset.  

Recalling his time as an India player, Sidhu stated the likes of Madan Lal and Roger Binny helped the team win matches in the 1983 ODI World Cup, which India won under Kapil Dev's leadership. Notably, three of the five spin options in India's squad are all-rounders - Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are the two specialist spinners.  

"Never before has a team included five spinners in the squad, and there's a reason for that. There are no second chances in the Champions Trophy. In India's group, if you look at New Zealand, they have three left-handers—Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Tom Latham. Against them, you need an off-spinner," Sidhu remarked on JioHotstar’s Greatest Rivalry Returns.

"This has been a tradition since Roger Binny’s time. Back in 1983, when no one gave us a chance, all-rounders like Madan Lal and Roger Binny helped us win matches. Similarly, India now has quality all-rounders who bring depth to the squad. You can’t underestimate Dubai—this is not Sharjah; these are completely different conditions," he added.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Co. as India are set to face Pakistan on Sunday, February 23. While India opened their campaign with a convincing win over Bangladesh, Pakistan lost to New Zealand, making their remaining two games must-win affairs.