India’s preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy have officially begun, and the announcement of the 15-member squad has sparked significant discussion among cricket fans and pundits. On January 18, 2025, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma addressed a press conference in Mumbai along with chief selector Ajit Agarkar to reveal the team that will participate in the much-anticipated Champions Trophy. The selection process involved complex deliberations and showed how India’s cricket landscape is evolving as they prepare to defend their legacy as one of the dominant teams in world cricket.
This article will delve deep into the details of the squad announcement, key players included, notable exclusions and strategic decisions taken by the selection committee for this prestigious tournament. Let’s discuss the important aspects of the squad, players’ fitness updates and India’s chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The Squad Announcement
The squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 comprises 15 players, with a mix of experience and young talent. Here is the full list:
- Rohit Sharma (captain)
- Shubman Gill (vice-captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
- Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
Additionally, Harshit Rana has been named as a back-up player for the ODI series against England, and will likely be available should any injury concerns arise before or during the tournament.
Key Highlights of the Squad
1. Rohit Sharma: Leading from the Front
Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India in the Champions Trophy 2025. As one of the most successful captains in limited-overs cricket, his leadership will be crucial in helping India overcome the challenges they may face. Sharma’s experience in ICC tournaments, having led India to the 2018 Asia Cup and played a key role in India’s success in various bilateral series, makes him the ideal leader for this team. His composed approach to leadership and his ability to perform well under pressure will be crucial in India’s pursuit of another ICC title.
2. Shubman Gill: Vice-Captaincy and Rising Star
Young and talented opener Shubman Gill has been named the vice-captain of the team. His rise in international cricket has been very rapid, with his performances in the IPL and international ODIs showing his ability to handle pressure at the top of the order. His consistency in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was one of the top run-scorers, has made him one of the most trusted players in the team. The choice to make him the vice-captain reflects the selectors’ faith in his leadership ability, and his partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top will be a key factor in India’s success in the Champions Trophy.
3. Virat Kohli: A Crucial Member of the Middle Order
No Indian team is complete without the presence of Virat Kohli, who has been the backbone of the Indian batting line-up for over a decade. Kohli’s form in ODI cricket has been phenomenal, especially in the last few years, when he has re-established his position as one of the best batsmen in the world. His aggressive style and ability to perform under pressure, especially in ICC tournaments, make him an indispensable part of the team. Kohli’s experience of leading India to the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and his vast knowledge of international cricket will be crucial to India’s campaign.
4. The All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar
India’s strength lies in its all-rounders, with Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar adding a balance of both batting and bowling options. Hardik Pandya, who has established himself as one of the most dynamic all-rounders in the world, will play a key role with both bat and ball. His ability to finish games with the bat and bowl crucial overs in the middle period will be crucial to India’s balance in the Champions Trophy.
Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel bring a lot of experience and expertise in spin bowling, especially in the limited-overs format. Their role in breaking partnerships and controlling the middle overs will be crucial as India look to restrict opposition teams. Washington Sundar, who has impressed with his versatility and adaptability, also adds depth to the spin bowling department.
5. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami: The Return of Key Players
Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami, who are recovering from injuries, are expected to return to the team. Kuldeep, who was out for some time due to hernia surgery, is working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and is expected to be ready to play in the Champions Trophy. His ability to deceive batsmen with his chinaman balls will give India a tactical edge in the spin department.
Mohammed Shami, India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, has made a successful comeback after a long absence due to injury. Shami’s experience and his ability to bowl crucial overs in the death and early stages make him a vital cog for the team. His recent performances in the T20 series against England have shown that he is back to his best form and his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad will strengthen India’s fast bowling attack.
6. Jasprit Bumrah: The Pace Spearhead
India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has also been included in the squad, although there are concerns over his fitness after suffering a stress injury during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has confirmed that Bumrah will undergo further fitness tests in February to ensure his readiness for the tournament. If fit, Bumrah will spearhead the Indian fast bowling attack, where his deadly yorkers and ability to bowl in the death overs make him one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.
7. Arshdeep Singh: A Rising Star in the Pace Attack
Arshdeep Singh, who had a stellar season in 2023, has earned a place in the team by showcasing his wicket-taking ability in ODIs, including a stellar performance in the series against South Africa. Arshdeep’s left-arm pace and knack of taking crucial wickets make him a valuable asset in the team. His selection over Mohammed Siraj reflects the confidence the selectors have in his ability to perform in big-match situations.
8. Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Promising Young Talent
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has come into the limelight with his excellent performance in domestic cricket and IPL, has been selected in the team for ODI for the first time. His aggressive playing style and ability to dominate the opposition team makes him a potential match winner in the top order. The selection of Jaiswal over players like Sanju Samson reflects the team’s focus on preparing young talent for the future.
9. Wicketkeeper-Batsmen: KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant
KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will share wicketkeeping duties in the Champions Trophy. Both are versatile players who can change the course of a match with their explosive batting. Rahul’s stability and calmness at the crease make him a vital cog in the middle order, while Pant’s aggressive approach and ability to play match-winning innings make him an exciting prospect for India. Rishabh Pant’s role as backup wicketkeeper was preferred over Sanju Samson, who was dropped due to his lack of participation in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Notable Exclusions: Mohammed Siraj
One of the most notable exclusions from the squad is pacer Mohammed Siraj. Despite being one of India’s most reliable pacers in recent times, Siraj failed to make the cut for the Champions Trophy. The decision has sparked some debate, especially considering Siraj’s impressive performances in both bilateral and ICC tournaments. However, it seems the selection committee has preferred the experience and match-winning abilities of Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh over Siraj, and his exclusion could be linked to the balance they want in the team.
India’s Schedule in the Champions Trophy
India have been placed in Group A along with Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will kick off on February 19, 2025 and India’s first match is scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20. The team will also take on Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2. All of India’s matches will be played in Dubai, UAE, as the Indian government has refused to allow the team to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.
India’s schedule in the Champions Trophy looks challenging, but with their current squad, they have a good chance of putting up a strong performance. Their combination of experience and youthful exuberance can certainly go a long way.
Conclusion
The announcement of the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked a lot of interest and excitement. With a mix of experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja along with the dynamic young talent of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Arshdeep Singh, the team looks quite balanced. Key players like Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will be crucial for India’s bowling attack, while all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel provide the necessary depth.
India’s preparation and selection for the Champions Trophy 2025 reflects their desire to be competitive on the global stage, and with the right combination, they will undoubtedly be one of the favourites to lift the trophy. The team selection process reflects the depth of talent within Indian cricket, and the team will hope to continue their dominance in the limited-overs format as they prepare for the final test in the UAE.
