India has announced their much-anticipated squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, sparking discussions among cricket enthusiasts.
The two-time Champions Trophy winners, who claimed titles in 2002 and 2013, will aim for a third triumph under the experienced captaincy of Rohit Sharma.
A notable inclusion in the 15-member squad is star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, despite concerns about his recent fitness. Bumrah, who had to miss part of the Sydney Test due to injury, has been deemed fit to play, though Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that his fitness will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the tournament. To ensure depth in the bowling department, Harshit Rana has been named as a cover for Bumrah during the England ODI series preceding the Champions Trophy.
The batting lineup includes a mix of youth and experience. Rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal joins seasoned performers Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill at the top of the order. The middle order is bolstered by reliable names like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
In the all-rounders’ category, Hardik Pandya makes his return as the sole pace-bowling all-rounder after last featuring in the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup. He is joined by three spin-bowling all-rounders: Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav is back after recovering from an injury, adding depth to India’s spin arsenal.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Bumrah, alongside seasoned campaigner Mohammad Shami, promising youngster Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya.
India’s Group Stage fixtures in the tournament include high-stakes matches against Bangladesh (20 February), arch-rivals Pakistan (23 February), and New Zealand (2 March), all set to take place in Dubai.
In the last edition of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, India fell short in the final against Pakistan. This time, the team will be keen to reclaim the title and strengthen their legacy in the tournament.
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.