Bumrah, Shami, Kuldeep Yadav Picked in India’s Champions Trophy Squad

India’s Champions Trophy Squad: Coming into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India is now all geared up to regain its glory days with a rather balanced and strong 15-member squad. It was announced by the BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar along with the skipper Rohit Sharma in a press conference held in Mumbai. The good news for fans is that some of the star players are making their comeback into the Indian team.

A Historic Campaign Ahead

The Champions Trophy, which will run from February 19 to March 9, will witness India starting their campaign against arch-rivals Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. The Men in Blue have not won the Champions Trophy since 2013 and are looking to end the title drought.

Comebacks

Jasprit Bumrah’s Return

Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has finally made it to the squad after a nail-biting wait surrounding his fitness. The speedster, who was sidelined with back spasms during India’s last Test against Australia at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is expected to spearhead India’s pace attack. His inclusion will undoubtedly strengthen the team’s bowling arsenal.

Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami Return

The middle-order bat Shreyas Iyer returns after a short break from Indian cricket. Another inducted veteran pacer will include Mohammed Shami, who hasn’t played an ODI for India since the last World Cup in 2023, but that has also shown fantastic form going around in Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali, and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

India’s Champions Trophy Squad: Leadership Roles

Captain Rohit Sharma will lead the team, and Shubman Gill, the young and dynamic opener, will be his deputy. The selectors have relied on KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeping options to provide depth and flexibility in the playing XI. Hardik Pandya adds balance with his pace-bowling all-round ability, while the trusted spin trio of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav will take care of the slow tracks of the UAE and Pakistan.

Full Indian Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Batsmen: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja
• Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

High Hopes and Challenges

The team, despite its excellent mix of youth and experience, finds stiff competition from top teams. Recently, cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar commented on the competitiveness of the tournament and went on to predict another team as favorites to win. But the team is more than strong to lift the trophy, given its well-composed side.

Venues and Schedule

The tournament will take place across three venues in Pakistan and the UAE, promising a lot of action-packed cricketing for fans across the globe. India’s first match against Bangladesh will set the tone for their campaign as they look to regain their dominance at the international level.

As the countdown begins, Indian fans eagerly await the Men in Blue to rise to the occasion and bring home the coveted Champions Trophy. With Bumrah’s fiery spells, Kohli’s masterclass, and the team’s collective strength, India’s road to glory seems promising.