India Announces Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
After much speculation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma will lead the side, with Shubman Gill named as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah, who had been a doubt for the tournament due to fitness concerns, has made the cut and now has a month to regain full match fitness.
Bumrah's Return to Action
Bumrah sustained a back injury during the fifth Test against Australia at the SCG, where he did not bowl in the second innings. While earlier reports suggested he was advised to rest completely, his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad indicates significant progress in his recovery. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Bumrah will not feature in the upcoming ODI series against England, with Harshit Rana stepping in as his replacement.
Shami's Comeback, Siraj's Exclusion
Mohammed Shami, absent since the 2023 World Cup due to an Achilles injury, returns to bolster India's bowling attack. However, the notable exclusion of Mohammed Siraj has raised eyebrows. Siraj's dip in form throughout 2024 led to his omission, marking a bold decision by the selectors.
Squad Composition
The squad largely mirrors the team that played in the 2023 World Cup, maintaining a stable core of experienced players and promising talents. The middle order will rely on stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, while the all-rounder department remains strong with Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill (vc)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
Squad for England ODIs
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, India will host England for a three-match ODI series in February. The squad for this series also closely resembles the Champions Trophy lineup, with Harshit Rana included in place of Bumrah.
India's ODI Squad for England Series:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill (vc)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Shami
- Harshit Rana
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
Key Talking Points
- Bumrah’s Fitness: The ace pacer's recovery and availability for the tournament will be closely monitored.
- Shami’s Experience: Shami’s return adds depth and experience to the bowling lineup.
- Siraj's Omission: The decision to drop Siraj reflects the selectors' emphasis on recent performance.
- Youth and Experience: Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar highlight the blend of young talent with seasoned campaigners.
India will look to carry their momentum into the Champions Trophy, starting February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, as they aim for another ICC title under Rohit Sharma's leadership.
