ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India Aims for Title Triumph with Power-Packed Squad
India’s 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Announced
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named a strong 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma will captain the side, with Shubman Gill appointed as his deputy. India is in Group A with New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. They will play all their matches in Dubai. The Men in Blue want redemption. They were runners-up to Pakistan in 2017.
Squad Overview
India’s squad boasts a strong batting lineup and a powerful spin attack. However, the pace department has some issues. The team has opted for four all-rounders, strengthening their adaptability to sub-continental conditions.
India’s Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
Strengths: A Balanced Squad with Experienced Core
Batting Depth and Firepower
India’s top-order remains a major asset, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill expected to open. Rohit shone in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Now, he wants to keep his lead in white-ball cricket. Gill, averaging nearly 60 in ODIs, adds stability and aggression at the top.
Virat Kohli, closing in on 14,000 ODI runs, will be a key figure at No. 3. Kohli faced challenges in the series against Sri Lanka in early 2024. Still, his experience and skill in sub-continental conditions are crucial for the team.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul anchor the middle order. KL Rahul will likely take on wicketkeeping duties. Hardik Pandya adds to the team. He is both a finisher and a seam-bowling all-rounder.
Versatile All-Rounders and Spin Strength
India has four all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Hardik Pandya. This gives the team great flexibility in their combinations. The spin department, led by Kuldeep Yadav, will be key on Dubai’s slow pitches.
Kuldeep, a proven match-winner, will be supported by either Axar or Sundar. This choice depends on the team’s balance. If India chooses three spinners, either Jadeja or Sundar will join. This will strengthen both batting and bowling.
Rohit Sharma’s Leadership
Under Rohit Sharma, India has thrived in white-ball cricket. The team reached the ODI World Cup final in 2023 and won the T20 World Cup in 2024. Rohit has a 70.83% win rate as captain in ODIs. His leadership and consistency are key to India’s success in the tournament.
Weaknesses: Concerns Over Pace Attack and Batting Composition
Uncertainty in Pace Attack
India’s fast-bowling unit lacks clarity. Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains uncertain, while Mohammed Shami is returning from injury. The ongoing England ODI series will determine their match readiness. If either fails to recover in time, India could face a major setback.
Arshdeep Singh, with just 12 wickets in 8 ODIs, will need to step up as a frontline pacer. Hardik Pandya is seen as a fourth seam option. However, he has bowled less in recent months, which raises concerns.
Lack of Left-Handed Batters in Top Six
India’s top six players are mostly right-handed. Left-handers show up mainly in the lower middle order. This could make them susceptible to teams with quality right-arm off-spinners. Rishabh Pant, though an explosive option, is likely to play second fiddle to KL Rahul.
India’s Probable Playing XI
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
Key Players to Watch
Mohammed Shami’s Impact
Returning from injury, Shami’s form will be crucial. His recent play in domestic cricket, like the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, shows a strong comeback. If fully fit, he could be a game-changer for India’s bowling attack.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Backup Role
Jaiswal’s aggressive batting style provides a solid backup option at the top. If required, he could be India’s X-factor in crucial matches.
India’s Path to the Semi-Finals
India remains one of the tournament favorites, given their depth and experience. Success will largely hinge on Bumrah and Shami staying fit. It will also depend on how well the batting unit performs. Arshdeep Singh’s role as the third pacer will also be pivotal.
Group Stage Fixtures (All matches at 2:30 PM IST)
- February 20 – India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
- February 23 – India vs Pakistan, Dubai
- March 2 – India vs New Zealand, Dubai
India has a strong squad and great leaders. They are ready to compete for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title. The upcoming England ODI series will give the last look at the team’s readiness for the global event.
