India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee was initially expected to announce the squad for the Champions Trophy by January 12. However, due to logistical constraints, the announcement may now be delayed until January 18-19, according to a Cricbuzz report. The Indian team for the Champions Trophy, which will begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, is likely to be announced based on performance in the upcoming ODI series against England.
Following India’s defeat in the Test series against Australia, the team management is revising its strategy. In light of this, the BCCI has requested additional time from the ICC to finalize its selection.
It is important to note that the ICC requires each participating team to announce a provisional squad at least a month before the tournament, with the option to make changes later. However, this time, the ICC has mandated that the teams be announced five weeks before the tournament begins.
The BCCI is expected to request more time, citing the team’s recent commitments in Australia for the Test series. As a result, the provisional Champions Trophy squad is likely to be announced around January 18-19. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE.
Squad Announcement for England Series Expected Soon
According to the report, the squad for the T20 and ODI series against England is expected to be announced in the next day or two. England will play five T20 matches and three ODI matches against India, starting from January 22. The three ODI matches are scheduled for February 6, 9, and 12. India will begin the series with the T20 matches, which will start on January 22.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul are almost certain to be included in the Champions Trophy squad. India last won the tournament in 2013 by defeating England in the final at Edgbaston. However, concerns remain over the availability of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Injury Concerns Loom Over Bumrah and Kuldeep
Jasprit Bumrah, currently dealing with a back spasm, will report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) soon and will only be considered for selection after receiving medical clearance. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav, out of action since October 2024 due to surgery in November, has yet to play a competitive match.
Mohammed Shami’s Potential Comeback
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who last played in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, has been recovering from a groin injury. After successfully making a comeback in domestic cricket, the 34-year-old is likely to return to the national team for the Champions Trophy.