R Ashwin Evaluates Champions Trophy Teams; Team India Gets 85 Rating….
Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his insights on Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. According to Ashwin, India’s chances are slightly diminished due to the absence of JaspritBumrah. He initially considered giving India 90 rating points with Bumrah in the squad but adjusted it to 85 because the star pacer is not playing. Ashwin also gave New Zealand a rating of 85.
Ashwin noted a potential vulnerability for India, with all their matches scheduled in Dubai. He cautioned that India’s rating could decrease if they lose the toss in all three games and are forced to bat first, given the significant difference in playing conditions between day and night at the venue.
As for the other teams in Group A, Ashwin rated Pakistan at 55 and Bangladesh at 40. In Bumrah’s absence, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is expected to step up. Ashwin acknowledged HarshitRana’s talent with the new ball but highlighted Arshdeep’s superior death bowling skills, which are similar to what Bumrah offers.