Leaving the disappointment of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 behind, the Indian cricket team is now focusing on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will begin on February 19 in Pakistan. India will play its matches in Dubai, while Pakistan will host the rest of the seven nations.
Ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India will play three ODIs in final preparation against England, but all participating teams have to submit their provisional squads for the tournament by January 12, so this series will not be of help to the selectors. national.
KL Rahul to lead wicketkeeping duties for India at ICC Champions Trophy 2025
After losing the 2023 World Cup title to Australia at home, the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 offers Rohit Sharma and other senior players another chance to secure a 50-over title for the last time. But injuries and fitness issues are hampering India’s preparations for the tournament.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ravindra Jadeja’s participation under massive threat
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are said to be set to form India’s batting core for the upcoming prestigious tournament. The Indian Express suggested that KL Rahul is expected to retain his place as a wicketkeeper-batsman in India’s ODI team for the eight-nation tournament after his consistent performances.
With a lack of left-handed options at the top, young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal is also likely to be chosen as a backup opener for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The young opener’s inclusion could bring variety and much-needed balance to the Indian. line up.
Sanju Samson probably beat Rishabh Pant in the race for backup goalkeeper for Champions Trophy 2025
On the other hand, the battle for the second goalkeeper spot is intensifying between Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. Pant only made one 50-over appearance in Sri Lanka after his accident, but that only ended with a disappointing six-run knock. He now faces tough competition from Sanju Samson.
On the other hand, Samson’s last ODI performance in South Africa in 2023 was a game-changer. He had smashed his first ODI century on the tour and helped India clinch the series in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya is a sure bet in India’s XI as he brings balance with his all-round skills. However, the Indian cricket team must decide whether a bowling back-up is required or whether the bowling all-rounders will make the most of the UAE’s slow conditions in CT 2025.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah deals biggest setback for Team India amid ICC Champions Trophy uncertainty
Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar set to take all-rounder spot in India’s CT 2025 team
Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Riyan Parag are all in contention. With a strong white-ball form, Axar Patel is likely to overtake Ravindra Jadeja to lead the spin attack in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The last spot could be a toss-up between Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag, with the latter’s left-handed batting offering an additional advantage to India.
On the other hand, India’s bowling line-up faces challenges with Jasprit Bumrah’s back problems and concerns over Mohammed Shami’s fitness. Shami will return for the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts, while Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are confirmed for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Kuldeep Yadav’s recovery is being watched and if he doesn’t get clearance from the NCA, Varun Chakaravarthy will be the favourite. If Bumrah and Shami fail to be in top form, India will look to Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar and Harshit Rana to replace them in the team.