India’s 15-man squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy includes Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. Led by Rohit Sharma, the team features a mix of seasoned players and rising stars.
Introduction
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a robust 15-man squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to start from February 19. The same squad will also face England in a three-match ODI series in early February. The announcement comes with good news for Indian cricket fans as pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been included, despite injury concerns leading up to the selection. See also: Rishabh Pant’s Explosive Fifty and India’s Bowlers Dominate Day 2 on Spicy SCG Pitch

Key Points from the Squad
Return to the Fold of Important Players: Jasprit Bumrah is returning to the squad after a stress-related injury, while Kuldeep Yadav returns after undergoing surgery on his hernia. Bumrah could miss the first two ODIs against England but back-up Harshit Rana has been named for the series, while Kuldeep has gained in stature at the NCA by bowling around 10-12 overs during practice sessions.

Rohit Sharma to Captain the Side
Rohit Sharma will be leading the team, while Shubman Gill will be his deputy. With a brilliant 2023 in ODI cricket, Gill is expected to play an important role up front.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Gets ODI Call-Up
Young Yashasvi Jaiswal gets his first ODI call-up and is likely to be the reserve opener for the Champions Trophy. His consistent performances in domestic and international cricket have earned him a spot in this crucial tournament.

Experienced Core in the Middle Order
The middle order has the core that was in place during the 2023 ODI World Cup, and includes Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. The side seems balanced with Rahul and Rishabh Pant available for wicket-keeping.

Arshdeep Singh gets the nod
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh gets a place in the squad following impressive outings both in the domestic circuit as well as series in international arena. His sensational performance in Vijay Hazare Trophy and South Africa ODI series has consolidated his position to the cost of Mohammed Siraj, who makes way for this.

Mohammed Shami comeback
Mohammed Shami is returning to the ODI format after a recovery from injury. Having been the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, his experience will be crucial on flat UAE pitches.
India’s Schedule
India’s Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai. They are playing in Group A with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. India will be playing all of their matches at Dubai as their government did not allow the Indian team to go to Pakistan on account of geo-political differences.
India Matches
February 20: India vs. Bangladesh (Dubai)
February 23: India vs. Pakistan (Dubai)
March 2: India vs. New Zealand (Dubai)
Before the tournament, India will play a three-match ODI series against England on February 6, 9, and 12, their first 50-over games since August 2024.
Provisional Squad for 2025 Champions Trophy
Captain: Rohit Sharma, Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
Batters: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

Squad Analysis
Strengths: A good blend of experience and youth, with Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja forming a solid nucleus.
A robust spin department, in the form of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, perfect for the UAE climate.
A solid pace attack led by Bumrah and Shami, ably supported by in-form Arshdeep Singh.
Concerns: Fitness issues around Bumrah and Kuldeep could be an issue, with a heavy calendar. The absence of Mohammed Siraj might leave India lacking an additional reliable pacer.
Conclusion
India’s preliminary squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy seems to be a well-planned mix of experienced performers and promising talent. With Rohit Sharma leading the team, it seems India is ready to make a good run in the UAE. But fitness management and match preparedness for players like Bumrah and Kuldeep will be critical as India tries to bring the Champions Trophy back home.
Fans look forward to the much-needed ODI series against England, which will act as a precursor to that high-stakes tournament. Can this team deliver under pressure and come out victorious? Only time will tell.