India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh.
India skipper Rohit Sharma expressed his confidence to bring the Champions Trophy ‘back’ to the Wankhede Stadium, insisting that the Men in Blue will try their best to clinch the coveted ICC title.
Rohit addressed the crowd at the Wankhede during the 50th anniversary event of the iconic venue. On the occasion, the Champions Trophy was brought to the stadium as part of the ICC trophy tour.
“We will try our best. It has always been a dream to represent the Indian team in any ICC trophy,” Rohit said at the event.
“We will embark on another dream of 140 crore people. I'm sure when we reach Dubai. 140 crore people will be behind us. We will try to do everything we can and bring the trophy back to Wankhede,” he added.
The BCCI on Saturday (January 18) unveiled India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9.
Rohit will lead the Indian team and open the batting alongside Shubman Gill in the marquee event. Young left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in the side as an opening option.
Veteran campaigner Virat Kohli will bat at No. 3, followed by Shreyas Iyer. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are the wicketkeeper batters in the 15-member squad.
Hardik Pandya features in the squad as a seam-bowling all-rounder while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are the three spin all-rounders in the line-up. Kuldeep Yadav is the specialist spinner in the 15-member squad.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the Champions Trophy squad despite concerns over his fitness.
Senior pacer Mohammad Shami, who is all set to make his much-awaited India comeback in the upcoming white-ball series against England after a lengthy injury hiatus, has also been picked in the squad. Left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh has pipped Mohammed Siraj to secure a place in the side.
Team India are placed in Group A along with Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand in the marquee event. They will open their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.
India squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh