India Unveils Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Author: Joy Sarcar
Updated At:
The management of the Indian cricket team has announced a formidable 15-man squad that will represent them in the high-profile ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to start on February 19. There will be a blend of experience and youth in the squad, with some household names and newcomers, who have their dreams set on claiming the prestigious title in Dubai.
Leadership and Batting Line-up
Rohit Sharma will captain the squad, while Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain. The top-order for India is mostly unchanged, with Virat Kohli at No. 3, continuing his pivotal role in the middle-order alongside Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Iyer and Rahul, both of whom have been integral to India's recent ODI performances, retain their spots in the lineup.
This continuity in the batting gives India a stable foundation going into the tournament. The big inclusion is Yashasvi Jaiswal, selected for the very first time in ODIs, probably to be a back-up opener. His inclusion into the team is an indication that they have much belief in the newer talents with the Champions Trophy up next, when squad depth is required most.
Injury Concerns and Key Players
India's squad does carry some injury concerns, particularly around Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.
Bumrah, out of action due to a stress-related injury he suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, could be unfit to play the first couple of ODIs against England. Kuldeep Yadav, who had undergone a surgery for hernia, has been working on his fitness and will be match-ready by the time the event starts.
Considering the injuries to pivotal players, India's resources in fast bowling will be crucial. Mohammed Shami, the most prolific wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, returns from a long layoff owing to injury and brings experience to an otherwise inexperienced attack. Arshdeep Singh also made it to the squad on the back of some great performances in the domestic circuit, ending as the leading bowler in India's recently concluded home series against South Africa.
All-rounders and Spin Options
All-rounders will, then, be pretty crucial in this balance of India since Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel develop great depths both at the back-end of batting and up front for the bowling department.
At the spin department, the services of Kuldeep and Jadeja will come in handy as both have risen to the occasion and given sterling performance during ICC events many a time.
India's Champions Trophy Group Matches
For the Champions Trophy 2025, India has been slotted into Group A, with the first game against Bangladesh on February 20. Other rivals include Pakistan, with their match on 23 February and New Zealand, which is set for 2 March. Due to the travelling complications with Pakistan, all the above games have been scheduled to be played out in Dubai itself.
With India preparing for the tournament, fans and analysts have already weighed in with their opinions on the best cricket betting sites for those looking to place their bets on this exciting event. With a squad full of talent and experience, India continues to be one of the front-runners to lift the Champions Trophy.
Final Thoughts
Though the final squad for the Champions Trophy needs to be submitted to the ICC by February 11, this current selection gives India a bright chance of winning the title. A blend of experienced campaigners and fresh talent, this team is sure to give a tough challenge in this prestigious tournament.
READ NEXT
Coetzee Omitted from Joburg Super Kings XI, Deepening South Africa's Bowling Woes
South Africa’s star fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been omitted from the Joburg Super Kings playing XI, and fans believe this is because of his earlier hamstring issue. Coetzee was supposed to be the replacement for Anrich Nortje in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
PAK vs WI 2nd Test - What Can Be Expected?
PAK vs WI 2nd Test is scheduled to begin on 25th January at the Multan Cricket Stadium.