Champions Trophy 2025: India announce squad, Jasprit Bumrah's availability subject to fitness

On Saturday, January 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played starting February 19 and up until March 09 in Pakistan and the UAE.

Despite worries about his form and future, Rohit Sharma has been retained as ODI skipper. The 37-year-old, who led India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and won the team's second T20 World Cup in 2024, will captain the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy for the first time. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, is the vice-captain.

Jasprit Bumrah, recovering from a back spasm he sustained during the Sydney Test, has been named in the 15-member squad. However, his inclusion is contingent upon proving his fitness in the three-match ODI series against England preceding the Champions Trophy. The selectors are keen for Bumrah to play at least one competitive match before the tournament.

Furthermore, recently media reports were floating regarding the speedster's fitness and him being advised bed rest upon coming back from the Australia tour. However, the 31-year-old dismissed the reporters, calling them "fake''. Bumrah’s recovery is in progress, and he is expected to begin his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru by this weekend.

Star batter Virat Kohli who had a rough Australia tour was reportedly set to play for Delhi in their upcoming Ranji Trophy game against Saurashtra on January 23 to regain form ahead of the Champions Trophy. However, Kohli suffered from a neck sprain and may not play for Delhi in the second leg of the first-class tournament.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami returns to the squad after a 14-month injury lay-off. Shami, who was the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 World Cup, has displayed good form in domestic cricket and will spearhead the bowling attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh.

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Kuldeep Yadav, recovering from a hernia surgery, has also been included, though his fitness remains a concern. The left-arm spinner, who was instrumental in India’s success during the 2023 World Cup, will look to regain match fitness in the ODI series against England. The all-around department features Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, providing depth and balance to the squad.

The squad also sees the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal as a backup opener. Jaiswal, who enjoyed a brilliant 2024 across formats, will provide a left-handed option at the top if required. However, Karun Nair, despite his stellar domestic performances, and Sanju Samson, who did not participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, were notable exclusions. KL Rahul remains the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Rishabh Pant included as a backup option.

India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 & England ODIs

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (Subject to fitness), Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja 

Reserves: Harshit Rana