The cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation as the Indian team gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9. The tournament, returning after an eight-year gap, promises a blend of excitement and fierce competition as it unfolds across venues in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
While the official squad for India is yet to be confirmed, there’s considerable excitement around the expected team composition. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to unveil the squad by January 12, which marks the deadline for all participating teams to submit their provisional rosters to the ICC. Changes to the squad can be made until February 13, ensuring teams have the flexibility to adjust based on player form and fitness.
Rohit Sharma, the seasoned opener, will continue to steer the team as captain in the 50-over format, with his sights firmly set on clinching another ICC title for India. The vice-captaincy, however, remains under discussion, particularly for Jasprit Bumrah, whose participation in the showpiece tournament will depend on further assessment of his back injury at the NCA. Notably, in the last ODI series against Sri Lanka, Shubman Gill was named the vice-captain of the side. In case, Bumrah is not risked, Gill is expected to continue as the vice-captain.
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is expected to anchor a formidable pace attack. He has shown commendable fitness in white-ball formats, turning up for his state Bengal, in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, after playing a few matches in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Shami is likely to be complemented by Mohammed Siraj and the promising left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, to form a dynamic bowling unit, showcasing both experience and youthful vigour.
Probable Squad Composition
Batters:
Rohit Sharma (C)
Shubman Gill
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
Wicketkeeper-Batters:Rishabh Pant
KL Rahul
All-Rounders:
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar
Axar Patel
Bowlers:
Jasprit Bumrah (VC, subject to fitness)
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Siraj
Arshdeep Singh
Kuldeep Yadav
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature 15 matches, with Pakistan being granted the chance to host. However, India will play all their games in Dubai due to the ‘hybrid model’ approach. This setup ensures that the high-octane India versus Pakistan encounter on February 23 will be in Dubai. The semi-finals are slated for early March, with Dubai hosting one and Lahore the other. Meanwhile, the final will take place in Lahore unless India qualifies, in which case it would move to Dubai.
With Rohit at the helm, India aim not just for redemption but to win another ICC trophy after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024.