Champions Trophy 2025: India’s predicted squad

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to be back after a gap of eight years, with the 2025 edition being hosted across Pakistan and the UAE, with India being the runner-up of the previous edition. Due to the political challenges, India refused to play in Pakistan, which led to the ICC opting for the hybrid tournament format, with Dubai hosting all their matches.

The competition kicks off on February 19 in Karachi, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand. The Men in Blue will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. The side is a part of Group A, along with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

India's history in the Champions Trophy has seen them claim the title twice (2002 and 2013) and reach the finals in 2000 and 2017. Even in the 2017 edition, the side continued their impressive form. In the league stage, they won two out of the three games, then registered a nine-wicket win over Bangladesh to reach the grand finale. In the summit clash, the side faced their arch-rivals Pakistan and lost the game by 180 runs, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman's match-winning knock. With ICC's deadline for submitting the squad being on January 12, the selectors will look to announce the final roster by the end of this week.

Also Check: Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan’s predicted squad

Here's India's Predicted squad for the Champions Trophy 2025:

Top-order: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli:

India will look to form a strong top-order for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with skipper Rohit Sharma opening alongside Shubman Gill. This will be Sharma's first time leading in the tournament, while Gill will debut in the competition. The pair formed a strong partnership during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Yashasvi Jaiswal will be a backup opener, giving a left-hand-right-hand combination if needed. Star batter Virat Kohli, who led the team in the previous edition, will complete the top order, walking in at No. 3. Kohli who was the Player of the Series in the 2023 World Cup, will aim to dominate again in the 50-over format.

Middle order - Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul:

Shreyas Iyer is all set to return to the No. 4 spot in India’s middle order, making his comeback to the squad since the 2024 ODI series against Sri Lanka. The squad also features KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. The southpaw will be returning to the ODI team after a horrific accident in 2022 and will resume wicketkeeping duties. Meanwhile, Rahul, who previously kept wickets in the ODI World Cup, will serve as a backup opener and play as a full-time batter.

All-rounders - Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel:

India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 will likely include three all-rounders, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. While Pandya and Jadeja have previously featured in the competition, Axar makes his debut in this tournament. Pandya, who has been in exceptional T20 form and domestic performances, will be riding high in confidence and strengthening the team. Jadeja and Axar, who are the spin all-rounders, provide options with both bat and ball. Axar’s recent form has put pressure on Jadeja, as selectors increasingly see him as a strong alternative. India faces the challenge of balancing pace and spin, especially given the slow conditions expected in the UAE.

Bowlers - Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh:

India's bowling lineup will feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh. However, challenges remain with Bumrah’s back issues and Shami’s fitness. Shami will be seen playing for Bengal in Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts, while Siraj and Arshdeep will be the third and fourth bowling options. Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness is also questioned, with Varun Chakaravarthy as a backup option. 

India’s probable XI for Champions Trophy 2025:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami.