ICC Champions Trophy 2025 India squad leaked; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah roles cleared
Published - 09 Jan 2025, 11:32 AM | Updated - 09 Jan 2025, 11:36 AM
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Putting the disappointment of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 behind, the Indian cricket team is now focusing on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting February 19 in Pakistan. India will play their matches in Dubai while Pakistan will be hosting the rest of the seven nations.
Ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India will play three ODIs as a final tune-up against England, but all the participating teams must submit their provisional squads for the tournament by January 12, so this series won’t be a help for the national selectors.
KL Rahul to lead wicketkeeping duties for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
After losing the 2023 World Cup title to Australia at home, the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 offers Rohit Sharma and other senior players another opportunity to secure a 50-over title for the last time. But injuries and fitness issues are troubling India’s preparations for the tournament.
Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ravindra Jadeja's participation under massive threat
Meanwhile, it is being said that Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul are all set to form India’s batting core for the upcoming prestigious tournament. The Indian Express suggested that KL Rahul is expected to retain his place as a wicketkeeper-batter in India’s ODI squad for the eight-nation tournament following his consistent performances.
With a lack of left-handed options at the top, the young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal is also likely to be picked as the backup opener for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The young opener’s inclusion could bring variety and much-needed balance to the Indian lineup.
Sanju Samson likely beat Rishabh Pant in the race for the backup wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy 2025
On the other hand, the battle for the second wicketkeeper slot is heating up between Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. Pant made only a 50-over appearance in Sri Lanka after his accident, but that only ended with a disappointing six-run knock. He is now facing stiff competition from Sanju Samson.
On the other hand, Samson’s last ODI performance in South Africa in 2023 was a game-changer. He had smashed his maiden ODI century on the tour and helped India to clinch the series in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya is a sure shot in India’s XI, providing balance with his all-round abilities. However, the Indian cricket team must decide if a seam-bowling backup is required or if spin-bowling all-rounders will make the most of the UAE's slow conditions in the CT 2025.
Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar set to grab all-rounders' spot in India's CT 2025 squad
Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Riyan Parag are all in contention. With strong white-ball form, Axar Patel is likely to edge out Ravindra Jadeja to lead the spin attack in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The final spot could be a toss-up between Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag, with the latter’s left-handed batting offering an added advantage to India.
On the other hand, India’s bowling lineup faces challenges with Jasprit Bumrah’s back issues and Mohammed Shami’s fitness concerns. Shami is set to return for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 knockouts, while Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are confirmed for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Kuldeep Yadav’s recovery is being watched, and if he fails to get clearance from the NCA, Varun Chakaravarthy will be the frontrunner. If Bumrah and Shami fail to attain full fitness, India is set to look into Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Harshit Rana to replace them in the squad.
