As India looks ahead to the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the squad announcement. Despite a challenging run in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to remain integral parts of the Indian batting line-up. The looming question, however, revolves around the availability of pace stalwarts Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, both of whom are crucial to India’s bowling attack.
With the tournament just around the corner, scheduled to take place next month in Pakistan and Dubai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is busy assessing the final squad for the prestigious event. Here’s a closer look at India’s likely squad and key areas of concern.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: The Core of Indian Batting
Though both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have faced challenges with their form in the recent BGT series, they are still expected to be the backbone of India’s top-order. Both are experienced campaigners with proven match-winning capabilities. They are likely to open the batting, with Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer filling in the middle-order positions.
Despite their struggles in Australia, both Rohit and Kohli bring immense experience, which will be vital in a tournament like the ICC Champions Trophy. Moreover, Iyer has been in excellent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, already scoring two centuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the promising young opener, could also find a spot as a backup for the top order.
KL Rahul vs. Rishabh Pant: The Wicketkeeper Dilemma
A major point of contention in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 is the wicketkeeper’s position. KL Rahul has shown strong form both as a batter and behind the stumps in the ODI World Cup 2023 and will likely be in the XI if selected. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant’s impressive return to form after a long injury layoff has made the competition even fiercer.
The BCCI selectors also need to consider Sanju Samson, whose recent performances in white-ball cricket have been strong. With so many options available, this will be one of the toughest calls for the selectors.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya and the Emerging Contenders
The all-rounder slots are another crucial area, and Hardik Pandya is a certainty in the playing XI. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him indispensable. Axar Patel, a dependable spinner and lower-order batter, is also expected to secure his spot.
However, the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja is uncertain after his recent struggles with form. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed in the BGT series, has emerged as a strong candidate for the all-rounder role. Another exciting option is Rinku Singh, who has caught attention with his aggressive batting and spin bowling in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The Pace Attack: Bumrah and Shami’s Fitness Concerns
One of the biggest concerns for India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is the availability of their pace leaders, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier pacer, is currently recovering from a back spasm that occurred during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He has consulted with his New Zealand-based doctor, who performed surgery on him in 2023. While there is optimism around his recovery, his fitness remains a question mark. Mohammed Shami, who has been absent from the Indian team since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, also faces injury concerns. Despite playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, Shami was deemed unfit for the final two BGT matches.
Should Bumrah or Shami be unavailable, India might turn to alternatives like Mohammed Siraj, who has been in great form, and Arshdeep Singh, known for his consistent pace and accuracy. Additionally, Mukesh Kumar from Bengal, with 13 wickets in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, could be a dark horse to make the squad.
Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar: The Spin Duo
The selection of Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, is also under scrutiny, given that he has been out of action for some time due to a groin injury. He has been training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and is yet to fully recover. As a result, his inclusion in the squad remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Washington Sundar, who impressed during the BGT series, could make his way into the squad as an off-spinner, offering balance to the team alongside the pacers and other spinners.
India’s Predicted Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Based on current form and fitness concerns, here is a potential lineup for India:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul / Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah (fitness dependent)
- Mohammed Shami (fitness dependent)
- Mukesh Kumar
- Rinku Singh / Washington Sundar
Conclusion: India’s Road to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, India’s squad is shaping up to be a balanced one, with a core of experienced batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, alongside a formidable bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami—if they are fit. With several young players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy making their case for selection, it will be interesting to see how the selectors finalize the squad.
One thing is for certain: India’s journey to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be an exciting one, filled with high expectations, strategic decisions, and a squad brimming with talent. The selectors’ decisions on key players will be pivotal in determining how India fares in this marquee tournament.
