Team India's ODI Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and England Series:
India is set to play a three-match ODI series against England starting February 6, followed by the Champions Trophy commencing on February 20. It's anticipated that the players chosen for the England series will also feature in the Champions Trophy.
The selection for the five-match T20 series against England will occur on the 11th, as communicated in a notice sent to the selection panel, focusing only on the T20 team. However, sources suggest the ODI and Champions Trophy squads will also be finalized around January 11 or 12, with a deadline set for January 12.
Top 4 Batsmen for India in Champions Trophy
There is a strong belief that the top order will feature Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer. Last year, KL Rahul was the primary wicketkeeper in World Cup and Sri Lanka ODIs, indicating he might again manage dual responsibilities. Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to be a backup opener due to the lack of a left-handed option. Shreyas Iyer has been impressive in domestic cricket recently.
Source: aajtak
The competition for the second wicketkeeper spot will be between Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, given their recent absence from the 50-over format. Pant replaced Rahul in Sri Lanka but was dismissed for just six runs. Meanwhile, Samson played his last ODI for India in 2023, aiding in a series victory against South Africa, where he scored his maiden century.
Mohammed Shami Set for a Comeback
Jasprit Bumrah's back issue in Australia is concerning, limiting India's bowling options due to a lack of experience. Hence, Mohammed Shami might make a comeback after the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami, 34, consistently plays across formats for Bengal and is expected to represent them in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) knockouts starting January 9.
Source: aajtak
Mohammed Siraj may secure a spot in the 15-member squad, while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could join the team following an excellent VHT session. As for specialist spinners, all eyes are on Kuldeep Yadav, returning from surgery in December. Should Kuldeep be unavailable, Tamil Nadu spinner Varun Chakravarthy might be selected. If Bumrah and Shami aren't fully fit, India could consider replacing them with Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Harshit Rana.
Hardik Pandya's Selection Confirmed
To maintain balance in the team, Hardik Pandya is a definite selection. In the relatively slow conditions of the UAE, India is likely to depend on spin-bowling all-rounders such as Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Riyan Parag. Axar, in fine white-ball form, might take the lead in the spin attack ahead of Jadeja. Parag and Sundar are poised for team selection.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy concluded, India's attention shifts to the Champions Trophy, commencing February 19 in Pakistan, where India will play group-stage matches in Dubai.
Potential Indian ODI Squad for Champions Trophy and England Series:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar (Riyan Parag*/Ravindra Jadeja), Kuldeep Yadav* (Varun Chakravarthy), Jasprit Bumrah* (Prasidh Krishna), Mohammed Shami (Mukesh Kumar), Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper) (Sanju Samson).
*Current players injured or recovering
2025 England Tour to IndiaT20 Series Schedule
First T20, January 22, KolkataSecond T20, January 25, ChennaiThird T20, January 28, RajkotFourth T20, January 31, PuneFifth T20, February 2, Mumbai
ODI Series
First ODI, February 6, NagpurSecond ODI, February 9, CuttackThird ODI, February 12, Ahmedabad
Champions Trophy 2025 Full Schedule
February 19 – Pakistan vs. New Zealand, KarachiFebruary 20 – Bangladesh vs. India, DubaiFebruary 21 – Afghanistan vs. South Africa, KarachiFebruary 22 – Australia vs. England, LahoreFebruary 23 – Pakistan vs. India, DubaiFebruary 24 – Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, RawalpindiFebruary 25 – Australia vs. South Africa, RawalpindiFebruary 26 – Afghanistan vs. England, LahoreFebruary 27 – Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, RawalpindiFebruary 28 – Afghanistan vs. Australia, LahoreMarch 1 – South Africa vs. England, KarachiMarch 2 – New Zealand vs. India, DubaiMarch 4 – Semifinal-1, DubaiMarch 5 – Semifinal-2, LahoreMarch 9 – Final, Lahore (moved to Dubai if India qualifies)March 10 – Reserve Day
