The BCCI announced Team India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the three-match ODI series against England today. The announcement was made during a press conference addressed by captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, with head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly giving his inputs earlier.
Key Highlights:
- Shubman Gill has been named the vice-captain, solidifying his place as a key player in the squad.
- Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains uncertain, but he has been included in the squad. Harshit Rana is drafted for the England series as a potential back-up.
- Sanju Samson and Mohammed Siraj are notable absentees, sparking debates among fans and experts alike.
- Both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul were chosen as wicket-keeping options, leaving Samson out.
India’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Selectors’ Remarks:
Ajit Agarkar emphasized the importance of domestic cricket:
“As selectors, we explain to players that when the time permits, they should play domestic cricket.”
Captain Rohit Sharma defended workload management, saying:
“When you play so much international cricket, you need time off. Nobody takes it for granted.”
England ODI Series Inclusion:
Harshit Rana has been added to the ODI squad for the England series, with Bumrah’s fitness still under evaluation.
Notable Omissions:
- Sanju Samson, despite his strong performances, was left out in favor of Pant and Rahul.
- Mohammed Siraj, a regular in India’s recent squads, has not been included, even as a backup option.
Tournament Details:
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins on February 19 across Pakistan and Dubai, with India’s games scheduled in Dubai. India will face Bangladesh in their opening match on February 20.
