India’s Probable Squad and Playing XI for ICC Champions Trophy 2025- Analysis and Predictions

The Indian cricket team aims to revive themselves after losing the Border-Gavaskar series 3-1. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to move past the disappointment against Australia. Before the Champions Trophy, India will play a white-ball series at home against England, featuring 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2025, in Pakistan. However, India will play their matches at a neutral venue in Dubai. The deadline for submitting squads for the tournament is January 12, 2025, and the BCCI is expected to announce their team on January 11.

This discussion will analyze who will secure a ticket to Dubai and who might face exclusion after recent underwhelming performances by big names like Kohli, Rohit, Shubman, or Siraj. Additionally, based on the probable squad, we will explore India’s potential for playing XI for the tournament. Let’s dive into this analysis using past performance stats, records, and insights that often interest cricket fans, including those exploring IPL betting trends.

Top order puzzle

Although Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli flopped in the BGT 2024-25, they remain the backbone of Indian cricket. Team selectors are unlikely to exclude them from a major ICC event, often called the “mini-World Cup.” However, a tough decision looms over choosing between Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer. Iyer (530 runs) and Gill (354 runs) performed exceptionally well in last year’s ODIs World Cup and suited the ODI format well. Yashasvi, on the other hand, has only played T20Is and Test cricket without ODI experience. While his talent cannot be underestimated, the selectors will likely prioritize experience.

KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, or Sanju Samson?

KL Rahul has shown consistent performances, particularly in the 2024 World Cup, where he scored 452 runs, including two fifties and a century. His adaptability to the ODI format secures his spot in the squad. However, the question remains: who will accompany him as the second wicketkeeper-batter? Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are known for adding quick runs to the team’s total. In my opinion, selectors should prioritize Rishabh Pant, given his ability to perform under pressure in critical matches.

All-Rounder Options

Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja have proven reliable match-winners, with numerous innings showcasing their ability to turn games around. Hardik Pandya, a world-class all-rounder, is a guaranteed pick for the team. As a backup, Nitish Kumar could be an excellent choice, offering a medium-pace bowling option and his batting skills.

Bowling Camp

Jasprit Bumrah’s injury in the final Test of BGT 2024-25 raises concerns, as he was rested for the India-England white-ball series starting from 22nd Jan 2025. Bumrah, the highest wicket-taker in the BGT with 32 wickets in just five matches, is crucial for the team. Hopefully, he will recover fully before the Champions Trophy.

Another point of discussion is the inclusion of last year’s World Cup hero, Mohammed Shami, taking 24 wickets in just seven matches. Although he has been playing domestic cricket and performing well, rumors during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy suggested his return to the squad after the pink-ball Test loss. However, team management clarified that he still needs rest to regain full fitness ahead of CT 2025.

Arshdeep Singh, the T20 World Cup 2024 hero, would be an excellent choice to support the main pacers. If either Bumrah or Shami becomes unavailable, Mohammed Siraj could step in. If both Bumrah and Shami are fit, India will field one of the strongest fast-bowling attacks in world cricket.

When it comes to spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are already part of the squad. A specialist spinner will likely join them, with options including Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Varun Chakravarthy. Based on past performances and ODI statistics, Kuldeep Yadav is the frontrunner for this spot.

India’s Probable Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Batters

• Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Surya Kumar Yadav

Wicket-keepers

• KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk)

All-rounders

• Nitish Reddy, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja,  Axar Patel

Bowlers

• Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh,  Kuldeep Yadav/Varun Chakravarthy

Reserves-  Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj

India’s Probable Playing 11 For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1. Rohit Sharma (c)
2. Shubman Gill
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. KL Rahul (wk)
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Mohammed Shami
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Arshdeep Singh

FAQs

Q: When is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to begin?
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start on February 17, 2025.

Q: Where will India play its matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
India will play its matches at a neutral venue in Dubai due to geopolitical considerations.

Q: Who are the key players in India’s probable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad?
Key players include Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad?
The squad submission deadline is January 12, 2025.

Q: Which players are likely to compete for the second wicketkeeper spot?
Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are the contenders for the second wicketkeeper-batter position.

Q: Who are the probable all-rounders in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
The probable all-rounders are Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Q: What is the status of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami for the tournament?
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness is a concern due to a recent injury, while Mohammed Shami is recovering and likely to join the squad.

Q: Which spinners are in contention for India’s Champions Trophy squad?
Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Varun Chakravarthy are the top contenders for the specialist spinner spot.

Q: What challenges does India face in selecting its top order?
India faces a tough decision between experienced players like Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and the emerging talent Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Q: Who are the reserve players in India’s probable squad?
The reserves include Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Mohammed Siraj.

Q: What is India’s probable playing XI for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
India’s probable playing XI features Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.

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