Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India has unveiled its 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, led by Rohit Sharma, with Shubman Gill serving as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya make notable returns after recovering from injuries, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, yet to debut in ODIs, adds a fresh dimension to the team.
India’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Players:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Key Highlights
1.Bumrah’s Conditional Return:
Bumrah’s inclusion is subject to full recovery from the back spasms he suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He will miss the three-match ODI series against England, with Harshit Rana stepping in as his replacement. However, Bumrah is expected to spearhead India’s pace attack at the Champions Trophy.
2.Shami’s Comeback:
Returning after Achilles tendon surgery, Shami brings his experience as the leading wicket-taker from the 2023 World Cup. He joins Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh to complete a formidable pace trio.
3.Spin Department Boosted:
Kuldeep Yadav returns to bolster the spin attack after recovering from hernia surgery. He will partner with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, offering India a variety of spin options.
4.Pandya’s Return to All-Rounder Depth:
Hardik Pandya’s recovery from an ankle injury adds balance to the squad. Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, India boasts a well-rounded all-rounder contingent.
5.Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Inclusion:
The left-handed opener, known for his prolific domestic performances, brings a new dynamic to India’s right-heavy top order. Jaiswal averages 54 in List A cricket and has already shown promise in other formats.
6.Wicketkeeping Options:
KL Rahul, stellar in the previous World Cup, retains his place as a keeper-batter, alongside left-hander Rishabh Pant.
India’s Champions Trophy Campaign
India is placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Their campaign kicks off on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. As a prelude, India will play three ODIs against England in Nagpur (February 6), Cuttack (February 9), and Ahmedabad (February 12).