Bumrah, Shami Included in India's Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
India has announced its 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, led by Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya, all returning from injuries, are the key inclusions. Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal, yet to make his ODI debut, has been selected as a potential opening option, adding left-handed versatility to the squad.
Bumrah's inclusion remains conditional on his recovery from a back spasm, which he suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he impressed with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana has been drafted as his replacement for the preceding three-match ODI series against England.
Shami, recovering from Achilles tendon surgery, returns as a vital component of the pace attack, alongside Arshdeep Singh. Mohammed Siraj has been excluded. Hardik Pandya's return boosts the all-rounder department after his World Cup-ending ankle injury, while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar add depth and balance.
India's spin attack sees the return of Kuldeep Yadav, fresh from a hernia surgery. He joins Sundar and Jadeja, providing multiple options for varied conditions.
In the batting lineup, Shubman Gill, averaging an impressive 58.20, faces competition at the top from the promising Jaiswal, who boasts a List A average of 54 with a high score of 203 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Among wicketkeepers, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant retain their places.
India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. They will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. The team will also play three preparatory ODIs against England starting February 6 in Nagpur.
