As the January 12 deadline to name provisional teams for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet been officially announced Indian teamThe squad. However, based on recent performances and team combinations, a probable 15-member squad for India has emerged ahead of the tournament.
Hybrid model adds a layer of excitement at Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy 2025, which will begin on February 19, will be held in a hybrid version with Pakistan as the main hosts. However, due to current political tensions between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCCI, India’s matches will be played in the United Arab Emirates. This deal 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 full squad, India are seen as one of the favourites, but face stiff competition from other cricketing giants.
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Here is India’s planned team for the Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma (captain)
One of the most successful Indian captains, Rohit has an illustrious career as an opener. Known for his elegant strokeplay, including his ability to score hundreds, he is a key figure in the Indian top-order. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding India to several titles including Asian Cup 2018 and the T20 World Cup 2024. He brings calmness and strategic depth to the team.
Shubman Gill
A young and dynamic opener, Gill has impressed with his consistency across all formats. His ability to adapt to various match situations, combined with his elegant stroke play, has earned him a regular spot in the Indian team. Gill’s performances in recent series have shown that he can be the cornerstone of India’s batting in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Virat Kohli
One of the best batsmen today, Kohli is known for his consistency and ability to chase down challenging targets. Although he faced a rough patch in recent years, his return to form in the ODI World Cup 2023 has made him a vital part of the Indian batting line-up. Kohli’s ability to adapt to different formats makes him a must-play player for India in the Champions Trophy.
Shreyas Iyer
Iyer is a middle-order batsman who provides stability and flexibility to the Indian batting line-up. Known for his solid technique and aggressive strokeplay, Iyer has been a reliable player in limited overs cricket. His adaptability in various roles and quick scoring ability make him an asset, especially in pressure situations.
KL Rahul
Rahul is an all-round batsman and wicketkeeper, known for his elegance and adaptability. He has the ability to play both anchor and aggression roles, depending on the match situation. Rahul has been in good form of late and brings flexibility to the team with his wicket-keeping skills, which could prove crucial in the UAE conditions.
RISHABH PANTS
A dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, Pant has the ability to change a game 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 wicket-keeping 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 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 Chinese left-arm 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 batsmen, Kuldeep can be a game-changer in the Champions Trophy.
jasprit bumrah
Bumrah, considered one of the best fast bowlers in the world, is India’s leading pacer, known for his yorkers, death bowling and sharp bouncers. His ability to perform in the toughest of situations, especially in moments of pressure, has made him a vital part of India’s attack. Bumrah’s pace and control will be crucial in the UAE conditions.
Mohamed Shami
Shami is one of India’s leading fast bowlers with exceptional skills including pace and reverse swing. His ability to bowl in all conditions and pick up wickets at crucial times makes him an integral part of the team. Shami’s experience and skill will be essential in making progress 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 in both directions, make him a potent weapon. Siraj’s aggressiveness and competitiveness will make him an important figure in India’s pace attack.
Ravindra Jadeja
One of the world’s best all-rounders, Jadeja is known for his precise spin, brilliant fielding and deft batting in the lower orders of the order. His spin bowling, particularly in the middle games, can stifle opponents’ scoring. Jadeja’s ability to make crucial breakthroughs, coupled 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 a huge impression across 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
A left-arm bowler and capable lower-order batsman, Axar 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 adds depth to the team. Axar’s consistent performances make him a crucial all-rounder in the Indian team.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep, a left-arm pacer, is known for his accuracy, particularly in the death overs. His ability to move the ball both ways and calm demeanor in pressure situations have 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.