BCCI’s Shocking Selections for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Controversial Squad & Probable Playing XI Revealed

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma announced Team India for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The deadline for finalizing the squad was January 13, 2025, as per the ICC; however, the BCCI took an additional week to reveal the squad in a press conference, which also started 2.5 hours later than scheduled.

During the approximately 25-minute press conference, Ajit Agarkar announced the squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh. After announcing the squad, both Agarkar and Sharma faced critical questions, which they answered patiently, one by one.

In this blog, we will analyze the squad based on past performances, selection criteria, and potential players who may have been overlooked.

Why Rishabh over Sanju?

Speculation arose that Rishabh Pant might be dropped from the squad due to his performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. However, when the squad was announced, Sanju Samson’s name was missing. Sources suggest that the BCCI overlooked Sanju because he did not participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which reportedly affected his selection chances. Meanwhile, Rishabh retained his spot, taking advantage of this situation. If participation in domestic tournaments is the criterion, Karun Nair should also be considered, as he recently showcased exceptional form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025. Karun averaged an impressive 752.00, scoring five centuries and one half-century, with a highest score of 163 not out.

In an interview, former cricketer and Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar said,” Very tough because the man has been scoring hundreds and hundreds of runs. There is no excuse to leave him out. But he was pitted against Rishabh Pant, who we all know can be a game-changer. Plus Pant is a left-hander and he is probably the better wicketkeeper, although he might not be the better batter than Samson,”

Rishabh Pant has played 31 ODIs, scoring 871 runs at an average of 33.50, including one century and five half-centuries. In comparison, Sanju Samson has played 11 ODIs, scoring 315 runs at an impressive average of 66.00, including two half-centuries. Samson’s higher average highlights his consistency, which is often a critical factor in ODI formats.

Shubman Gill Named New Vice-Captain Instead of Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, who was removed as T20I captain last year with Suryakumar Yadav taking over, was widely expected by fans and cricket experts to be groomed as the next ODI captain through a vice-captaincy role. However, contrary to these expectations, Shubman Gill has been promoted to vice-captain. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, but Shubman’s experience as a captain in the IPL and his performances in the T20I format may have influenced the decision.

Reports suggest that head coach Gautam Gambhir preferred Hardik for the vice-captaincy, but chief selector Ajit Agarkar and skipper Rohit Sharma reportedly backed Shubman for the role. Speculation has also arisen that this decision might stem from Rohit’s history with Hardik, mainly after Hardik was not retained as the Mumbai Indians captain. Despite this, Hardik will continue contributing as an all-rounder, even though he served as vice-captain during the T20 World Cup 2024. This shift raises many questions about the team’s leadership strategy moving forward.

Are Bumrah and Shami Being Forced to Be Part of the Squad?

During the last BGT Test in Sydney, Bumrah suffered a serious injury did not bowled in the final innings. Although he has been rested for the India-England series starting on January 22, 2025, is this short recovery period enough for him to recover fully? Bumrah is a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team and must have adequate rest to avoid aggravating his injury. Playing consecutive matches without proper recovery could jeopardize his long-term fitness.

The same concerns apply to Shami. Having recently returned after a prolonged injury layoff, questions remain about his readiness for a demanding tournament. With a major ICC event taking place after eight years, the BCCI should prioritize a robust backup plan with experienced players who have participated in such high-stakes tournaments. While Harshit Rana has been selected as a backup, his limited experience raises concerns about his ability to perform under pressure. Proper planning and player management are crucial to ensure India’s success.

Shocking Decision to Drop Siraj Leaves Fans Baffled

Rohit Sharma’s statement about Mohammed Siraj’s exclusion from the squad has left everyone stunned. “Siraj’s effectiveness comes down a little bit if he’s not going to take the new ball. We discussed it at length and are only taking three seamers to the Champions Trophy because we wanted all-rounders with us,” Rohit explained.

This justification has raised eyebrows, especially considering Rohit’s own poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He managed just 31 runs in 5 innings despite experimenting with the batting order. Adding to the irony, Siraj outscored Rohit in the series while being a bowler. Siraj has been India’s standout performer, taking 71 wickets in 43 innings since 2022. His incredible 6-wicket haul in the Asia Cup 2023 final, where he dismantled Sri Lanka in just six overs, is still fresh in fans’ minds.

Only two Indians in this list.
Only one Indian fast bowler.
Most ODI wickets since 01.01.2022.
His name is Md. Siraj. pic.twitter.com/2PZw53f4Rc

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 18, 2025

While Arshdeep Singh offers a valuable left-arm pace option, the buzz around Harshit Rana as a backup for the Champions Trophy 2025 is growing, if not in the main squad, Siraj should at least be considered a reliable reserve.

What should Team India’s Playing XI look like for the Champions Trophy?

The big question arises: what will Team India’s ideal Playing XI for the Champions Trophy look like? Who should be considered as the wicketkeeper—KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant? Should Axar Patel get the nod over Ravindra Jadeja? Will the team benefit from playing three pacers in Dubai’s conditions? And who will open the innings for India? Will it be Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, Rohit and KL Rahul, KL and Shubman Gill, or Shubman and Rohit? Let’s take a closer look at India’s strongest probable playing 11 for Champions Trophy 2025-

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

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