As the January 12 deadline for naming provisional squads for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to officially announce Team India‘s squad. However, based on recent performances and team combinations, a probable 15-member squad has emerged for India ahead of the tournament.
Hybrid model add layer of excitement in Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on February 19, will be hosted in a hybrid model with Pakistan as the primary host. However, due to ongoing political tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCCI, India’s matches will be played in the UAE. This arrangement has added an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to what is expected to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
India’s challenge in the tournament
The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy holds significant importance for India. As runners-up in the 2017 final, where they were defeated by Pakistan, India will look to bounce back strongly and claim their third title. With their well-rounded squad, India are seen as one of the favorites, but they face stiff competition from other cricketing giants.
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Here’s India’s predicted squad for the Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma (captain)
Rohit, one of the most successful Indian captains, has an illustrious career as an opener. Known for his elegant strokeplay, including the ability to score big hundreds, he is a key figure in India’s top order. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding India to several titles, including the 2018 Asia Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. He brings calmness and strategic depth to the squad.
Shubman Gill
A dynamic young opener, Gill has impressed with his consistency across formats. His ability to adapt to various match situations, combined with his elegant strokeplay, has earned him a regular spot in the Indian team. Gill’s performances in recent series have shown that he can be a cornerstone of India’s batting in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Virat Kohli
Kohli, one of the greatest modern-day batters, is known for his consistency and ability to chase challenging targets. Though he faced a lean patch in recent years, his return to form in the ODI World Cup 2023 has made him a critical part of India’s batting lineup. Kohli’s ability to adapt to different formats makes him an essential player for India in the Champions Trophy.
Shreyas Iyer
Iyer is a middle-order batter who provides stability and flexibility to the Indian batting lineup. Known for his solid technique and aggressive strokeplay, Iyer has been a reliable performer in limited-overs cricket. His adaptability in various roles and his quick scoring ability make him an asset, especially in pressure situations.
KL Rahul
Rahul is a versatile batter and wicketkeeper, known for his elegance and adaptability. He has the ability to play both anchor and aggressive roles, depending on the match situation. Rahul has been in good form recently and provides flexibility in the squad with his wicketkeeping skills, which could prove crucial in the UAE conditions.
Rishabh Pant
A dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, Pant has the ability to turn a game around with his attacking style of batting. Known for his fearless approach, Pant has been an essential figure in India’s lower-middle order. His ability to hit big shots, combined with his wicketkeeping prowess, makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in the Champions Trophy.
Hardik Pandya
Pandya is an explosive all-rounder who provides balance to the team with his hard-hitting batting and handy medium-fast bowling. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, both with the bat and ball, has made him a key player for India. Pandya’s flexibility in both the batting and bowling departments makes him invaluable in the all-rounder role.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep, a left-arm chinaman bowler, is known for his deceptive variations and ability to pick up key wickets. His experience in limited-overs cricket makes him an integral part of India’s spin attack. With his unorthodox style and ability to deceive batters, Kuldeep can be a game-changer in the Champions Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah, regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, is India’s premier pacer, known for his yorkers, death over bowling, and sharp bouncers. His ability to perform in the toughest of situations, especially in pressure moments, has made him a vital part of India’s attack. Bumrah’s pace and control will be crucial in the UAE’s conditions.
Mohammed Shami
Shami is one of India’s leading fast bowlers with exceptional skills, including reverse swing and pace. His ability to bowl in all conditions and pick up wickets at crucial moments makes him an integral part of the squad. Shami’s experience and skill will be essential in providing breakthroughs for India in the Champions Trophy. He is currently on the road to recovery and is expected to be fit for the global event.
Mohammed Siraj
Siraj, a fast bowler with a strong presence in the Indian team, has impressed with his pace and swing. His consistent line and length, along with the ability to move the ball both ways, make him a potent weapon. Siraj’s aggression and competitiveness will make him an important figure in India’s pace attack.
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja, one of the world’s best all-rounders, is known for his sharp spin, brilliant fielding, and handy batting lower down the order. His spin bowling, particularly in the middle overs, can stifle opposition scoring. Jadeja’s ability to provide crucial breakthroughs, along with his batting and fielding, makes him a valuable asset for India.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi is one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket. Known for his aggressive strokeplay and consistency in domestic cricket, he has made an impression in all formats. Yashasvi’s ability to take on fast bowlers and score quickly makes him a potential match-winner in the Champions Trophy.
Axar Patel
Axar, a left-arm spinner and a capable lower-order batter, is known for his accuracy and ability to control the game with his economical bowling. His role as a spinner in the middle overs and his ability to contribute with the bat add depth to the team. Axar’s steady performances make him a crucial all-rounder in India’s squad.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep, a left-arm pacer, is known for his accuracy, particularly in the death overs. His ability to swing the ball both ways and his calm demeanor in pressure situations has made him a reliable bowler for India. Arshdeep’s ability to bowl in various conditions will provide India with valuable options in the fast-bowling department.