Picking spinners who can bat is crucial to win tournaments like Champions Trophy: Suresh Raina

India have announced the squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 which will start from February 19. The side will be led by Rohit Sharma and will feature some big stars of Indian cricket who have given some great performances in white ball, with players like Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami are making a comeback to the national side after respective injuries.

There were some speculations about whether Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep would be competing in the tournament due to their injuries. However, both have been named in the squad, although the pacer's inclusion is subject to fitness.

The selectors have also picked four all-rounders in the squad picking the likes of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. Some experts have shared their views on the squad where former Champions Trophy 2013 winner Suresh Raina has spoken on the importance of all-rounders in ICC tournaments and also mentioned what roles can be played by some players and how can they support the bowlers who are making a comeback in the event.

“When we won the Champions Trophy (2013) or the World Cup (2011), players like Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, and even Virat Kohli contributed with the ball. A sixth bowler who is a top-six batter adds immense value. That’s why picking a spinner who can bat is crucial, but it depends on how much they play. Shami is returning from injury and hasn’t played in a major tournament recently. Siraj missed out, and Bumrah, despite bowling well, had an injury setback. Kuldeep Yadav is also coming back from injury but has been exceptional recently,” Raina said while speaking on Star Sports Pressroom.

Pandya's role will be crucial in the tournament: Raina

Meanwhile, the former India and CSK cricketer also expressed his views on the importance of openers in the One-Day format of the game. The Uttar Pradesh-born mentioned that if the top order do their job well, the middle and lower-middle order get the freedom to play big shots and help the team reach to bigger totals, especially in high-pressure tournaments. Furthermore, he also mentioned that Hardik Pandya's role will be crucial in the side as he is the only seam-bowling all-rounder in the squad.

“The opening partnership will be vital. During the Champions Trophy 2013, Rohit Sharma’s batting made the middle overs easier, giving us the freedom to play our shots," the former all-rounder said. 

Another key decision will be the bowling combination with Kuldeep Yadav. Will two fast bowlers - Arshdeep and Shami—play? Or will it be Bumrah with Hardik Pandya? You could see a lineup of Arshdeep, Shami, Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Rohit Sharma might even bowl a couple of overs, especially in Dubai, where the larger ground allows for experimentation. Virat Kohli might chip in with an over too. It all depends on how the captain plans. Hardik Pandya’s role will be crucial in this Champions Trophy,” Raina told further.