Shreyas Iyer and 3 India Stars Who Could Return for Champions Trophy 2025
Vijay Hazare Trophy: A Stepping Stone to India’s Champions Trophy Squad. The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024 has started. With 38 teams, it is a key chance for players to show their ODI skills before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Haryana, the defending champions, seek to retain their title. But, for many Indian cricketers, it is a chance to regain a spot in the national team.
We explore three out-of-favour Indian stars, including Shreyas Iyer. They could return to Team India for the Champions Trophy. It depends on their strong performances in the ongoing domestic tournament.
1. Shreyas Iyer: The Comeback Story in Progress
Shreyas Iyer was once key to India’s middle order. Now, he is out of favor with the national selectors, despite being in the 2023 World Cup squad. His removal from India’s central contract list has raised questions about his future in the team.
However, Iyer has wasted no time in making a statement. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy’s first game, he smashed a century against Karnataka. He scored a 50-ball hundred, with a strike rate of 200. This knock boosts his status as a reliable middle-order batter. It also puts him on the selectors’ radar for the Champions Trophy.
If Iyer shines in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the BCCI may have to pick him for a key middle-order spot in 2025.
2. Ishan Kishan: A Chance to Reignite His Career
Ishan Kishan, a once-promising wicketkeeper-batter, has had a tough year. In early 2024, India dropped him from its central contract for discipline issues. Unlike Iyer, Kishan did not play for India this year. This raised doubts about his international future.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy presents Kishan with an opportunity to rebuild his case. The Jharkhand star has started the tournament well. He will look to dominate the competition as its leading run-scorer. If he can bat well under pressure, he should make the Champions Trophy squad.
Kishan’s attacking style and ability to bat in any position could give India the flexibility they need in limited-overs cricket.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal: Spin Wizard Eyeing Redemption
Yuzvendra Chahal, one of India’s best white-ball spinners, is now out of international cricket. This is despite his strong IPL performances. The 33-year-old has not played for India since August 2023. The selectors prefer Kuldeep Yadav.
Chahal signed the highest IPL contract ever for a spinner. This proves his skill and value in T20 cricket. The Vijay Hazare Trophy lets him prove his ODI skills. It’s a chance to be a key spinner for the Champions Trophy.
Haryana’s campaign in the tournament has started. But, Chahal missed their first match against Gujarat. If he returns to the field and wins, it could reignite his fight with Kuldeep Yadav for a spot on India’s 2025 squad.
Final Thoughts: Redemption Through Domestic Dominance
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024 is more than a domestic tournament. It’s a proving ground for players like Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and Yuzvendra Chahal. They want to return to the national team.
Iyer’s fast start has set the tone for the tournament. Kishan and Chahal must now catch the selectors’ attention. With the 2025 Champions Trophy looming, these players have much at stake. Their performances in the coming weeks could decide their futures in Indian cricket.
