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Following a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for redemption at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to begin on 19th February in Pakistan and the UAE. The spotlight is on India’s squad selection as the BCCI looks to finalize the team for the marquee tournament.
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Squad Announcement Deadline
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set January 12, 2025, as the deadline for announcing squads. However, reports suggest that the BCCI may reveal India’s squad a day earlier, on January 11.
Key Highlights of India’s Probable Squad
1. Rohit Sharma to Lead, Kohli Anchors at No. 3
Despite their recent struggles, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to remain the backbone of India’s batting lineup. Rohit’s captaincy credentials and Kohli’s ODI prowess make them indispensable for this campaign.
2. KL Rahul as the First-Choice Wicketkeeper
The inclusion of Nitish Reddy, who impressed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, may impact the team combination. If Reddy makes the XI, KL Rahul’s versatility as a batter and keeper gives him the edge over Rishabh Pant. While Rahul will likely feature in the playing XI, Pant is expected to be a part of the squad as a reserve wicketkeeper.
3. Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness a Concern
India’s spearhead pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, raised alarms after sustaining a back spasm during the final Border-Gavaskar Test. Although he is set to miss the home series against England, reports indicate optimism about his availability for the Champions Trophy. Bumrah’s fitness, alongside Mohammed Shami, will be pivotal for India’s chances.
4. Resurgence of Mohammed Shami
After battling injuries, Mohammed Shami appears to have regained fitness and is likely to partner Bumrah in spearheading India’s pace attack. The duo’s synergy will be critical in high-stakes matches.
5. Mystery Around Samson’s Omission
Sanju Samson, despite his talent, is reportedly not in the plans for the Champions Trophy. His absence makes way for other emerging players, while the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant solidify the wicketkeeper-batter roles.
Also Check: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Indian Squad Announcement and Varun Chakravarthy’s Rising Chances
India’s Probable Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Batters: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
- All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel
- Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
- Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel
- New Talent: Nitish Reddy
- X-Factor: Suryakumar Yadav
Reserves: Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson
India’s Strongest XI for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Nitish Reddy
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
Focus on Redemption
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 offers India a crucial opportunity to restore pride after their recent struggles. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, the team looks balanced. However, much will depend on fitness updates and performance in the lead-up series against England.
The cricketing world awaits with bated breath as India prepares for its Champions Trophy campaign. Will this be the redemption arc Indian fans are hoping for? Only time will tell.
