India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 5 biggest talking points

India announced their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad on January 18.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Saturday, 18th January, 2025, announced India’s 15-man squad for the ODI series against England and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19.

The Men in Blue are set to play a three-match ODI series against England starting on February 6, before heading to Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.

While the Asian giants have maintained the core of their squad that reached the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, they have also made some changes to strengthen their chances in Dubai conditions.

In this article, we will take a look at the five biggest talking points from India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.

Five biggest talking points from India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal earns maiden ODI call-up

Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has earned a spot in the Champions Trophy squad after his impressive performance in test cricket in 2024. The southpaw started the home season with sensational double centuries against England and then top-scored for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 with 391 runs at an average of 43.

However, given that Yashasvi Jaiswal is an opener, he might not find place in the starting XI as captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill will continue to open.

2. KL Rahul included as wicket-keeper

KL Rahul has retained his spot as the wicket-keeper batsman in the ODI team. Rahul played a vital role in India’s run to the final in the 50 over World Cup in 2023. Rahul is likely to bat at No. 5 and partner Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.

India have also named Rishabh Pant in the squad as a backup for Rahul in the competition. The Karnataka wicket-keeper provides versatility to bat anywhere in the lineup which would be useful in Dubai.

3. Jasprit Bumrah’s participation subject to fitness

In a big relief to Indian fans, Jasprit Bumrah has been named in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy. However, the speedster’s participation in the tournament is subject to fitness. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar clarified that his fitness will be tested in first week of February, which will then decide his participation in the ICC event.

Bumrah did not participate in the second innings of the Sydney test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 due to a back injury, and as a result, he has not been named in the ODI squad for the England series to allow more time for recovery. Bumrah’s inclusion could be crucial if India reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

4. Shubman Gill to continue as vice-captain

Despite his poor form in the BGT 2024-25, Shubman Gill has retained his position as vice-captain of the ODI team. Gill has struggled to make a significant impact in ODIs since his double century against New Zealand in 2023.

His inclusion as vice-captain clearly indicates that he will be preferred over Yashasvi Jaiswal to partner Rohit in the opening slot.

5. No place for Mohammed Siraj

One of the biggest surprises in India’s Champions Trophy squad is the exclusion of Mohammed Siraj. Siraj has been the lead Indian pacer across formats in the absence of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. His performance in the 50-over World Cup in India was crucial to India’s run to the final.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma clarified in the press conference that Siraj’s lesser impact with the older ball influenced the decision.

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