The former India captain also lauded Shreyas Iyer for his consistent performances in the Champions Trophy 2025
Former India captain and selector Dilip Vengsarkar felt that he still is confused by the team management’s decision to send in Axar Patel at No.5 despite having much more accomplished batters in the playing XI.
Vengsarkar praised fellow Mumbaikar Shreyas Iyer for scoring 243 runs from the five games in India title-winning Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, but expressed his frustration at the way he got out in the final against New Zealand.
Iyer made a fine 48 while chasing 252 in the final before going for a big shot against Mitchell Santner and gave a catch at short fine leg. Vengsarkar, who was the chief selector between 2006-08, was happy that Iyer has finally realised his potential.
“Iyer did very well but I am not happy the way he got out in the final. He should have continued till the very end and finished the game. But happy to see him realise his potential,” Vengsarkar said of Iyer, who finished second highest run scorer in the tournament which included two fifties.
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India implemented a couple of bold yet understandable strategies going into the Champions Trophy 2025, which also included sending in Axar Patel ahead of a more recognised batter like KL Rahul at No.6. Both of them performed during crucial games as they forged key partnerships and steadied India innings when the top three were dismissed quickly.
“KL too played a few important innings at number six but still not convinced Axar Patel batting ahead of him at five. The left-hand right-hand combination could be the only reason,” Vengsarkar told PTI.
The former top-order batter was full of praise for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, specifically picking five recognised spinners— specifically adding Varun Chakravarthy in place of Yashasvi Jaiswal to the final squad. It worked very well for India as Varun picked up nine wickets from three matches, including fifer against New Zealand in the group stage. Indian spinners claimed a combined total of 26 wickets in the tournament.
“Credit needs to go to the selectors as well. They stuck with Rohit after the Australia series. Even the decision to take five spinners in the squad proved to be a master stroke,” Vengsarkar said.
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