Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK [Source: @RutuNation/x.com]
India have named their squad for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. The side looks balanced, and it looks like the selectors put special care into selecting players who can deliver for them in different situations against different teams.
While the Indian squad looks like a balanced one, there were a few talented and deserving players who missed a spot in the team. The fact that each team can name only 15 players for the tournament is a major factor behind these players getting ignored. However, you cannot but feel bad for the players who did not get a call-up despite some brilliant shows in the domestic arena. Here is a look at three players in Chennai Super Kings's IPL 2025 squad who missed a place in India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
3. Anshul Kamboj
Anshul Kamboj [Source: @FlyingSlip_/x.com]
The right-arm pacer has recently been in a brilliant form in the domestic arena. Anshul Kamboj was bought for ₹ 3.4 Cr during the IPL 2025 auction by the Super Kings. This was after he impressed with his brilliant display in the Ranji Trophy. Even though he is still not in India's main scheme of things, given his recent brilliant displays, Kamboj could have been a part of the squad, at least as a travelling reserve.
2. Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube for CSK [Source: @SergioCSKK/x.com]
The Indian middle-order batter and medium-pace all-rounder was a part of the team that won the T20 World Cup 2024. Shivam Dube is often recognised for his power-hitting abilities against spinners in the middle overs. Dube was not in the frame as an ODI player for India; however, looking at the wicket India will play on during the tournament, the southpaw could have been a trump card for the team. His spin-hitting abilities could have given India an advantage in some of the games, especially against Asian teams in the tournament.
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
The current CSK skipper has impressed with his performance in the IPL and has shown remarkable consistency in the domestic circuit across formats. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been on the fringe of the Indian main team for a long time but has failed to get a breakthrough on the side.
It is a given that Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma will be opening for India in most of the matches during the tournament. They are taking Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is their reserve opener. Yes, Jaiswal has been brilliant in international cricket and deserves the chance. Still, given the consistency and efficiency Gaikwad has shown, he, too, could have been a good choice for India.