The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, and Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during a press conference in Mumbai on January 18.
A major boost for India is the return of star pacer Mohammed Shami, whose experience will be crucial in Dubai’s dry conditions. The squad also features promising young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Arshdeep Singh, adding depth to the lineup.
1. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s transformation into one of the greatest white-ball cricketers began during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. In a career-defining move, he was promoted to open the batting in India’s first game against South Africa.
Rohit delivered consistently throughout the tournament, scoring 177 runs at an average of 36, including two half-centuries. His opening partnership with Shikhar Dhawan laid strong foundations for India’s middle order to capitalize on.
Now the Indian skipper, Rohit continues to be a key player. Following his stellar performances in the 2023 World Cup, India will look to him for steady starts in the Champions Trophy 2025.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s contributions to India’s triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy often go underappreciated. Batting at No. 3, Kohli scored 176 runs in the tournament at an impressive average of 59 and a strike rate of 96.
In the final against England, Kohli’s crucial 43-run knock helped India post a competitive target of 129 in challenging conditions.
As India heads into the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, Kohli’s role remains pivotal. With reliable middle-order support from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, he’ll aim to anchor the innings and guide India to success.
3. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja was India’s standout bowler in the 2013 Champions Trophy, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 12 scalps at an average of 12.83. His all-round brilliance shone in the final against England, where he scored an unbeaten 33 and claimed two crucial wickets.
Heading into the 2025 edition, Jadeja faces competition from spin-bowling all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. However, his experience and ability to deliver under pressure make him a vital cog in India’s bowling unit, where he is expected to partner with Kuldeep Yadav