As the deadline for announcing the squads for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is nearing, all eyes are on the BCCI as to who will make the Indian squad for the tournament. India has been placed in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh and will play their games in Dubai.
Though they are out of form, veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will lead the batting lineup in the ICC event. However, there is still debate on the places of three other senior players- KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammad Shami, as their spots are not cemented in the Men in Blue squad.
Since the final, India has played six ODIs, and while Shami and Jadeja were rested, Rahul was selected for both away bilateral matches against South Africa and Sri Lanka.
However, he was dropped midway through the series against Sri Lanka after failing to get going in the middle overs. The world has yet to forget how his sedate half-century after using up 100-plus deliveries became a major reason for India's loss to Australia in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023.
This brightens the chances of Yashasvi Jaiswal to make it into the ODI squad for the first time. Jaiswal is a mainstay in the Test team, and has played T20Is as well, scoring centuries in both formats, but has not played ODI cricket.
However, KL Rahul is also seen as a backup wicketkeeper to Rishabh Pant in the ODI setup. And if Rahul is not keeping, his place as a batter is not guaranteed. Rahul has competition from Ishan Kishan, who has been out setup for some time, and Sanju Samson, head coach Gautam Gambhir’s favorite.
Among the reserve specialist batters, the choice could be between Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma. Hardik Pandya is the seam bowling all-rounder and it will be interesting to see if Nitish Reddy will be considered.
Coming to the spin bowling lineup, Jadeja's white ball batting hasn't been as excellent as it once was, and those who follow the selection committee believe Axar Patel is far more effective in ODIs right now.
Washington Sundar is anticipated to make it as an off-spinner, but Kuldeep Yadav's fitness is something selectors would be concerned about. Kuldeep is near to full fitness but has yet to play a Vijay Hazare Trophy game.
If Kuldeep fails to make it, one of Ravi Bishnoi or Varun Chakravarthy is projected to be chosen.
Now in the pace department, Mohammad Shami’s fitness will play a huge role. The veteran pacer's communication with the team management and the selection committee on his fitness status didn't seem to have the required clarity.
If Jasprit Bumrah fails to get clearance due to his back spasms, expect Mohammad Shami to shoulder the Indian pacer bowling lineup in the Champions Trophy.
Possible Indian squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy/Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan/Mohammed Shami, Rinku Singh/Tilak Varma.
(PTI inputs)
