Ashwin Names His Team of IPL 2025, Excludes Virat Kohli
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has come to a close, and the cricketing world is still reeling from the excitement and thrill of the tournament. As the dust settles, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has taken to the task of naming his Team of IPL 2025. And, in a surprise move, he has excluded none other than Virat Kohli from his Best 12.
Ashwin, who has been a part of the IPL since its inception, has always been known for his analytical mind and deep understanding of the game. His team selection, therefore, is always keenly anticipated by cricket fans. This year, he has gone with a team that reflects his preference for a well-balanced squad with a mix of experience and youth.
At the top of the order, Ashwin has opted for Sai Sudharsan and Phil Salt as his opening pair. Sudharsan, the young Gujarat Titans batter, has been in impressive form this season, scoring 444 runs at an average of 37.00. Salt, on the other hand, has been a revelation for the Punjab Kings, scoring 342 runs at an average of 24.00.
In the middle order, Ashwin has selected Shreyas Iyer as his captain. Iyer has been one of the most consistent batters in the IPL, and his leadership skills are well-established. Suryakumar Yadav, the Mumbai Indians sensation, has also made the cut. Yadav has been in phenomenal form this season, scoring 577 runs at an average of 57.70.
The lower middle order features Nicholas Pooran, Shashank Singh, and Jitesh Sharma. Pooran, the Punjab Kings wicket-keeper batter, has been a game-changer with his explosive batting. Singh, the Hyderabad Titans all-rounder, has been impressive with both bat and ball, scoring 242 runs and taking 15 wickets. Sharma, the Sunrisers Hyderabad wicket-keeper batter, has been consistent with his batting, scoring 234 runs.
In the bowling department, Ashwin has picked Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav/Noor Ahmad, Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna. Pandya, the Mumbai Indians all-rounder, has been a revelation with his bowling, taking 20 wickets this season. Yadav/Noor Ahmad, the Punjab Kings spinner, has been impressive, taking 15 wickets. Hazlewood, the Rajasthan Royals fast bowler, has been a consistent performer, taking 18 wickets. Bumrah, the Mumbai Indians fast bowler, has been his usual self, taking 15 wickets. Krishna, the Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler, has been impressive, taking 14 wickets.
So, what explains Ashwin’s decision to exclude Virat Kohli from his Team of IPL 2025? In an interview, Ashwin explained that Kohli’s form has been a concern this season. “Virat is an incredible player, but his form has been a worry. He has been struggling to score runs consistently, and I think there are a few other players who have done better this season.”
Ashwin’s team selection has sparked a lively debate in the cricketing world. While some have praised his bold decision, others have questioned his exclusion of Kohli. One thing is certain, however – Ashwin’s team selection reflects his deep understanding of the game and his ability to think outside the box.
To watch Ashwin’s team selection and his views on the IPL 2025, tune in to his video:
Source: https://youtu.be/lVDcjh0_stI
