Irfan Pathan Flags Concerns Over India's Pace Depth Ahead of 2025 Champions Trophy

Irfan Pathan Flags Concerns Over India’s Pace Depth Ahead of 2025 Champions Trophy

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan raised concerns over the fast-bowling department in the coming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is scheduled to host from February 19 through March 9.

The 2013 champions revealed their 15-player squad for the tournament with eight teams this week. The squad includes ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, who are recovering from their respective injuries.

India has also chosen four spinners: Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. As per Pathan, this isn’t a viable alternative. Instead, he threw his weight on left-handed Mohammed Siraj as a backup pacer.

“You require an extra pacer. Mohammed Siraj could have been an option. In Dubai, having four spinners isn’t a viable option. In the wake of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami returning from injuries and injuries, it will not be easy for them to start immediately.

“A pacer such as Siraj could have filled in that gap. However, we do believe that the selections made by the selectors succeed and that we must support these guys,” he said.

Irfan Pathan backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to regain their former form, saying that the duo would come back strong.

“They’ll start scoring runs in white-ball cricket; there’s no doubt about that,” Pathan told reporters.

“Test cricket is a different ball game altogether. Whether it’s Virat managing deliveries outside the off-stump or Rohit finding his rhythm, adjustments are needed. ODI is their favourite format, and they’ll bounce back strongly,” said the captain.

India team for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal Rishabh Pant Ravindra Jadeja.