The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to reignite the cricketing world, marking its return after an eight-year hiatus. Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the tournament will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
India’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a formidable 15-member squad for the upcoming tournament:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammad Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant
- Ravindra Jadeja
Notably, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah makes a comeback after recovering from back spasms, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav returns post a groin injury. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant also features in the squad after being omitted from the recent T20 series against England.
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
India’s group stage fixtures are as follows:
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups:
- Group A: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan
- Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, leading up to the final on March 9.
Key Players to Watch
- Rohit Sharma (Captain): Known for his explosive batting and leadership skills.
- Virat Kohli: A consistent run-scorer with a wealth of experience.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Returning from injury, his pace and accuracy are vital for India’s bowling attack.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young talent set for his ODI debut, bringing fresh energy to the squad.
India’s Prospects
With a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talents, India aims to clinch their third Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 and 2013. The inclusion of key players returning from injuries bolsters the team’s strength, setting the stage for a competitive campaign. cite
Conclusion
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await thrilling matches and standout performances. India’s well-rounded squad, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Note: For the most current updates, please refer to official announcements from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).