India’s Champions Trophy Squad Announced: Rohit Sharma to Lead the Charge, KL Rahul Included

Champions Trophy 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, along with the squad for the three-match ODI series against England. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma revealed the selections during a press conference held in Mumbai on Saturday, January 18. Rohit Sharma will captain the team, with Shubman Gill serving as his deputy.

Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the ICC Champions Trophy squad, pending his fitness. Agarkar also named a 14-man squad for the England series, with Harshit Rana stepping in as a cover for Bumrah.

Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya have been named in India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The duo last played ODIs during the 2023 World Cup. Announced on Saturday afternoon (January 18), the 15-member squad will be led by Rohit Sharma, with Shubman Gill as his deputy. A notable inclusion is Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make his ODI debut.

Bumrah's participation remains subject to a full recovery from the back spasms he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he bowled an impressive 151.2 overs and claimed 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. He will miss the preceding ODI series against England, with Harshit Rana stepping in as his replacement. For the Champions Trophy, Bumrah is expected to lead the pace attack, which also includes Shami, who was the leading wicket-taker at the 2023 World Cup but has been sidelined since due to Achilles tendon surgery. Arshdeep Singh joins the trio, while Mohammed Siraj has been omitted.

Hardik Pandya bolsters the all-rounder department after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja also returns after a 14-month absence from ODIs, bringing versatility with his left-arm spin. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who featured in India's recent series against Sri Lanka, round out the all-rounder options.

India's spin attack sees the return of Kuldeep Yadav following hernia surgery. Kuldeep, 30, was sidelined after a groin injury during the New Zealand Test series. His inclusion strengthens the squad's bowling variety.

At the top of the order, vice-captain Gill, boasting an impressive ODI average of 58.20, may face competition from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who provides a left-handed option for India's right-heavy batting lineup. Jaiswal, despite being uncapped in ODIs, averages 54 in List A cricket and recorded a stunning 203 against Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

KL Rahul continues as India's primary wicketkeeper, building on his stellar 2023 World Cup performances, while Rishabh Pant adds firepower as the second keeper-batter.

India, the Champions Trophy winners in 2002 and 2013, will aim for their third title under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.

India's Champions Trophy squad 2025

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant(wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, featuring the top eight One Day International (ODI) teams. While Pakistan will serve as the primary host, India's matches are set to be played in Dubai due to security considerations.

Tournament Schedule

Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand on February 19, 2025, in Karachi.

Fixtures:

20 February - India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
23 February - India vs Pakistan, Dubai
2 March - India vs New Zealand, Dubai