The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated cricketing events of the year. Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, this prestigious tournament will take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, marking its return after an 8-year hiatus. As cricket fans eagerly await news about the Indian cricket team, the big question arises: when will Team India announce their squad for this high-stakes competition? Let’s delve into the details surrounding the timeline and possible players for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
When Will Team India Announce Its Squad?
According to media reports, the announcement for the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to occur by January 12, 2025. All teams must submit their provisional squads to the ICC by this date. An ICC official mentioned in the Times of India, “All 8 teams need to submit their provisional squad by January 12; however, they can make changes until February 13. The teams will be revealed on February 13.” It’s important to note that while teams can make amendments post-announcement, they require ICC’s approval for any modifications during the tournament.
Leading Contenders for the Champions Trophy 2025
The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, will be responsible for choosing the Indian team. Star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are almost guaranteed spots in the squad, given their stellar performances in the One Day format recently. For opening positions alongside Rohit, both Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are strong candidates. Despite Jaiswal not having debuted in ODIs for India yet, his recent form has been exceptionally impressive.
Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya are also expected to be top choices for selectors. Sanju Samson could make an appearance as the backup wicketkeeper. Between Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Reddy, one of them might secure a place based on their prior performances—Shreyas’ outstanding showing in the ODI World Cup and Nitish’s impact during the Australia tour are notable references. Additionally, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to be considered for their all-rounder capabilities.
Bowling Contenders for the Squad
In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion seems almost certain, and Mohammad Siraj is also a strong candidate. There are discussions about bringing back Mohammad Shami into the fold after his absence from international cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023. Arshdeep Singh could serve as the fourth pace bowler in the lineup, with Kuldeep Yadav potentially taking a spot among the spinners.
As anticipation builds for the Champions Trophy 2025, fans are excited to see how Team India will shape up for the tournament. With a talented roster and a competitive edge, the team aims to reclaim its glory on the world stage.