The Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be officially announced, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) indicating that the announcement will occur on January 19, 2025.
This decision comes after the ICC set a provisional deadline of January 12 for all participating teams to submit their squads, which has seen several teams already announce their line-ups while India and Pakistan are still pending.
Key Details
- India Squad Announcement Date: The BCCI is expected to reveal the squad on January 19, following a selection meeting that may take place on January 18 or 19.
- Tournament Dates: The ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on February 19, 2025, with India playing their first match against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
- Captaincy: Rohit Sharma is expected to continue as captain for this tournament, despite discussions regarding Jasprit Bumrah potentially taking over in the future. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India has experienced both significant successes and challenges, including a strong performance in the recent T20 World Cup.
Top Players to Watch
While the official squad is yet to be confirmed, several key players are anticipated to be part of India’s Champions Trophy campaign:
- Virat Kohli: A stalwart of Indian cricket and a crucial batsman in high-pressure situations.
- Jasprit Bumrah: India’s pace spearhead, known for his unique bowling style and ability to perform in crunch moments. However, his injury will be a key factor in his selection.
- Rohit Sharma: The captain and an explosive opener, known for his match-winning innings.
- Hardik Pandya: An all-rounder who can change the game with both bat and ball.
- KL Rahul: A versatile batsman capable of anchoring innings or accelerating scoring.
Group Structure
India is placed in Group A, alongside:
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- New Zealand
The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Matches will be played across venues in Pakistan and Dubai, with India’s games primarily scheduled in Dubai due to security concerns regarding travel to Pakistan.
