Indian team has finally revealed their 15-man squad to compete at the ICC Champions Trophy starting February 19, 2025, with ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah among those players who feature. He did miss out from the action, and he has yet to return back for the action during the last two overs in Sydney Test.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has expressed confidence about the recovery of Bumrah. “Bumrah was asked to offload for five weeks. Hopefully, he is okay after the first week of February,” said Agarkar during a press conference at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. The medical team is monitoring Bumrah’s rehabilitation, and his progress will determine his availability.
Preparation with England ODI Series
India will host England in a three-match ODI series from February 6, 9, and 12 as part of their preparations for the Champions Trophy. The matches will be played in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad, respectively. This is an ideal preparation series to see how the players are shaping up and getting fit for the main event.
Harshit Rana Replaces Bumrah for ODIs
All-rounder Seam-bowling Harshit Rana has been added to the ODI team as a back-up in case Bumrah is not available. Mohammed Siraj has been given rest for this series, and in his place, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh will play for India.
Important Additions and Deletions from the Team
Kuldeep Yadav Returns to the Team
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been reinstated in the team following a hernia surgery that had ruled him out since October 2024. His return adds more depth to India’s spin arsenal, along with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Young left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been retained in the team, who has been consistent in his performances in domestic cricket.
Shubman Gill as Vice-Captain
Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain for both the England ODIs and the Champions Trophy. His leadership role highlights the selectors’ confidence in his abilities, both as a player and as a leader.
India’s Group and Schedule for Champions Trophy
India, seeded in Group A, will play all its matches at Dubai as the Indian government had not given the go-ahead to travel to Pakistan. The Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, and Kiwis complete Group A.
Tentative Date
February 20: India v Bangladesh
February 23: India v Pakistan
March 2: India v New Zealand
India had been the champion of the Champions Trophy twice; they will also like to get that title with their skipper, Rohit Sharma.
Full Indian Squad
For Champions Trophy and England ODIs:
Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
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
Extra Player for England ODIs:
Harshit Rana
Bumrah’s Return
The BCCI is taking a conservative route regarding Bumrah’s fitness, putting long-term above short-term interests. While the selectors hope he plays at least one ODI against England, they are still preparing for changes to the final squad, which has to reach the ICC by February 11, 2025.
India’s management is hopeful but realistic, ensuring the team is prepared for the rigors of the Champions Trophy, even if Bumrah’s participation remains uncertain.