Selectors Announce India’s Squad for Champions Trophy
India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was unveiled by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and skipper Rohit Sharma. The selection included several bold decisions, with Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson, and Karun Nair notably missing out. Despite Nair’s stellar domestic performances, the selectors chose KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant to strengthen the middle order.
Nair’s Remarkable Domestic Form
Karun Nair has been in phenomenal form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, representing Vidarbha. The middle-order batter amassed 752 runs in seven matches at a staggering average of 752, including five centuries. His performances have been pivotal in Vidarbha reaching the tournament’s final, where they will face Karnataka. Even batting legend Sachin Tendulkar described Nair’s exploits as “nothing short of extraordinary.”
Agarkar on Nair’s Exclusion
When questioned about Nair’s omission, Agarkar acknowledged his exceptional performances but highlighted the challenge of fitting everyone into a 15-member squad.
“Karun Nair’s numbers are incredible; someone averaging over 750 deserves recognition. We did discuss his performances, but finding a spot in this team is extremely difficult at the moment. The players who made the cut have also delivered consistent performances, averaging in the mid-40s,” Agarkar explained during the press conference.
Shami Returns; Samson Misses Out
The squad saw Mohammed Shami return to ODIs after his absence post the 2023 World Cup. Harshit Rana, meanwhile, earned a spot for the ODI series against England but wasn’t included for the Champions Trophy.
Sanju Samson, despite his impressive performances in T20Is, was excluded in favor of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul as the two wicketkeeping options.
Tournament Overview
The Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams, will be held in Pakistan and Dubai with a total of 15 matches. India’s campaign begins on February 20 against Bangladesh, with the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. India’s final league match is set for March 2 against New Zealand.
India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Players: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja
- For England Series Only: Harshit Rana
The selection committee emphasized the need for balance and experience in the squad as India aims to reclaim the Champions Trophy title.
