After wrapping up their nearly two-month-long tour of Australia, which ended on a disappointing note, the Indian men’s cricket team will now shift focus to white-ball cricket. The 2024 T20 World Cup champions are set to take on England in a five-match T20I series at home, beginning on January 22 in Kolkata. Following the T20Is, the two teams will play a three-match ODI series, scheduled for February 6, 9, and 12, in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad, respectively. These ODI fixtures will serve as vital preparation for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, with Pakistan hosting 10 matches across three venues—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, India’s matches will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India will begin their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by a high-profile clash against Pakistan on February 23.
With the Champions Trophy making a comeback after eight years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce India’s 15-member squad by January 12.
Rohit Sharma is likely to continue leading the team in the tournament despite his recent struggles in Test cricket. He is also expected to open the batting. A key question for selectors will be whether Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s preferred opener in Test cricket and a member of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, can secure a place. The 23-year-old left-hander is yet to make his ODI debut.
Shubman Gill is expected to partner Rohit at the top, while Jaiswal might serve as a backup opener if selected. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, who all scored over 500 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup, are likely to be automatic picks. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are also expected to make the cut, but concerns linger over the availability of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.
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Bumrah’s fitness has raised alarms after he didn’t bowl in the second innings of the fifth Test against Australia due to a back spasm. Reports suggest that if the injury is classified as Grade 3, he may need at least three months of rest and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav has been out of action since October 2024 and underwent groin surgery in November. He is yet to resume bowling, making his participation in the Champions Trophy uncertain.
Mohammed Shami, who last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, could return after a strong showing in domestic cricket. Other players in contention include Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel.
Rishabh Pant is expected to be a definite pick as a wicketkeeper-batter, while Nitish Kumar Reddy, despite impressive performances in ODIs and Tests, might not find a spot.
India’s probable squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Shami
