As the dates of Champions Trophy 2025 are coming closer, the curiosity about the team selection is increasing in the minds of the fans. The tournament will be played in Pakistan and UAE from February 19.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: KL Rahul to be rested as he opts for a break from cricket
The selectors have a lot to think about after the series defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. However, there is a lot of difference between Test and ODI and the selectors under the leadership of Ajit Agarkar can announce the team for it soon.
So, before the team announcement, let's predict India's probable 15-member squad.
Last date for team announcement is 12th January
After Gautam Gambhir became the coach, the Indian team has played only one ODI series and in that too, Team India had lost against Sri Lanka. Then the selectors had chosen a very new team. However, for big tournaments like the Champions Trophy, the selectors will not be in favor of experimenting too much.
It is certain that Rohit Sharma will become the captain, but there are still doubts about the other players. All eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah's injury, as India's campaign in the Champions Trophy will largely depend on him. Apart from this, all eyes will also be on the return of Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya.
Also Read: Mohammed Shami may return to Indian squad for the forthcoming England series and Champions Trophy
The last date for team announcement for the Champions Trophy 2025 is January 12. At the same time, permission to make changes in it will be till 13 February.
Bumrah may get vice-captaincy
A lot has happened in Indian cricket in recent times. Last year, Hardik Pandya was removed from the vice-captaincy in the ODI against Sri Lanka and the responsibility was given to Shubman Gill. However, now another thing has come to light in media reports. According to reports, neither Hardik nor Gill will be given the vice-captaincy. If Jasprit Bumrah is fit then he can be given this responsibility.
Along with the Champions Trophy, the team will also be announced for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England and there is no possibility of much change in both the teams. The England series will prove useful for testing the players before the Champions Trophy. This will enable us to know about the preparations. The ODI series between India and England will start from February 6.
However, despite Bumrah being made the vice-captain, he may miss more matches of the ODI series against England. He can play only one or two ODIs.
All eyes on Shami's return
All eyes will be on the return of Mohammed Shami. Shami has not played any international match since the 2023 ODI World Cup. After not being able to prove his fitness for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, the selectors can repose confidence in him for the Champions Trophy.
At the same time, Hardik Pandya did not get a chance in the last ODI series against Sri Lanka, but he may return to the team for this tournament. Shivam Dubey and Riyan Parag, who were part of the team during the series against Sri Lanka, may be shown the way out.
At the same time, the selection of four spinners is considered certain. Apart from Ravindra Jadeja, these include Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
Apart from Rohit, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant are certain to be selected among the batsmen. At the same time, there will be a fight for number four between KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. It is almost certain that both of them will be in the squad.
Champions Trophy 2025 | Probable Squad
India:
Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel.