The Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was announced on January 18 (Saturday). The declaration happened at a press conference in Mumbai conducted by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, with captain Rohit Sharma also present. This year, the Champions Trophy is set in Pakistan under a 'hybrid model.' Matches will be held across three Pakistani cities (Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore) and in Dubai. The tournament kicks off on February 19.
Siraj's Exclusion is Shocking
The most striking aspect of the selection was the omission of fast bowler Mohammad Siraj from the Champions Trophy squad. Siraj was part of the Indian team for the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024. His sustained presence in the ODI lineup makes this decision surprising. With fitness concerns surrounding fast bowlers Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh having just 8 ODIs under his belt, India's pace attack appears weakened without Siraj. If Bumrah returns to full fitness and Shami regains form during the England series, that would be ideal. Else, team challenges might escalate.
Gill Receives Good News
Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian team in the Champions Trophy while Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain. Gill also served as vice-captain during last year's Sri Lanka tour for both the ODI and T20 teams. By appointing Gill as vice-captain, the selectors indicate they are planning for the future. Although Hardik Pandya was also a contender for this role, this time he faced disappointment. Jasprit Bumrah's persistent fitness issues ruled him out of the vice-captaincy race.
Source: aajtak
Yashasvi Gets a Big Break
Yashasvi Jaiswal, a prolific run-scorer on the recent Australian tour, joins Team India for the Champions Trophy. This marks Yashasvi's debut inclusion in the ODI team, with no prior ODI matches under his belt. He is determined to seize this opportunity, although securing a place in the playing XI seems challenging with the presence of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Sundar's Surprise Selection
Off-spinner Washington Sundar also finds a spot in the squad. Securing a place in the playing XI, however, appears difficult for Sundar. His versatility as a left-handed batsman possibly earned him selection, potentially offering a crucial left-right batting combination. Notwithstanding, Sundar's experience in ODI cricket is minimal, having played only 22 matches for India in this format.
Shami Returns After 14 Months
Another major highlight of the selection was the return of veteran fast bowler Mohammad Shami to the ODI team. Following the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami was off action. He is now included in the T20 and ODI squad against England. Shami underwent surgery post-ODI World Cup 2023. A persistent knee inflammation also kept him out of the recent Australia tour.
India's 15-Member Squad for the Champions Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature a total of 15 matches with 8 teams. These are divided into 2 groups. India and Pakistan are slotted into Group A alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B features South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England. Each team in their respective groups will play 3 matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The first semi-final will be in Dubai, and the second in Lahore. Following this, the final will occur. If a team reaches the final, they'll compete in a total of 5 tournament matches.
Champions Trophy Groups
Group A - Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh Group B - South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Complete Champions Trophy Schedule...
Feb 19 - Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi Feb 20 - Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai Feb 21 - Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Karachi Feb 22 - Australia vs. England, Lahore Feb 23 - Pakistan vs. India, Dubai Feb 24 - Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi Feb 25 - Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi Feb 26 - Afghanistan vs. England, Lahore Feb 27 - Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Feb 28 - Afghanistan vs. Australia, Lahore Mar 1 - South Africa vs. England, Karachi Mar 2 - New Zealand vs. India, Dubai Mar 4 - Semi-final 1, Dubai Mar 5 - Semi-final 2, Lahore Mar 9 - Final, Lahore (If India reaches the final, it will be held in Dubai) Mar 10 - Reserve Day
