After the disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. in Australia, India have shifted their focus towards the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2024-25 as the BCCI and national selectors strategize to finalize the squad for the prestigious tournament.
India find themselves in a challenging position in finalizing the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2024-25, having played only three ODIs in 2024. Although the squad seems mostly settled in the ODI format, the lack of recent form makes things difficult for the selectors.
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness doubts are likely to force India to consider Mohammed Shami for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
However, the Men in Blue are scheduled to face England in a three-match ODI series at home in February, but those matches will take place after the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) deadline for selecting the Champions Trophy squad on January 12.
It is said that the BCCI will simultaneously announce the squad for both the bilateral series (five T20Is and three ODIs against England at home) and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2024-25. However, there won’t be many surprises in the ODI squads.
Meanwhile, RevSportz reporters have revealed some interesting details about the Indian think tank surrounding the team selection for the Champions Trophy. They revealed that if Jasprit Bumrah misses out, Mohammed Shami could lead India’s pace attack in the upcoming event to be held in Pakistan and UAE (India matches only).
Mohammed Shami still not given green light, questionable for CT 2025
In a video shared on the RevSportz Hindi YouTube channel, the journalist also claimed that Mohammed Shami is still not on the radar for a return to India at the moment as he last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final last November due to ankle injuries. However, Shami’s ongoing fitness concerns have raised questions about rushing him back into action and it has cost them dearly.
However, if Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy, then the selectors will have no choice but to rush Mohammed Shami back to the international arena. The RevSportz reporter also claimed that Shami is likely to be named in India’s white-ball squad for the upcoming home series against England, but it all depends on his fitness and form.
After recovering from a heel injury, Mohammed Shami has been playing domestic cricket for the past two months, representing Bengal in Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The 34-year-old pacer performed well, taking four wickets in his Ranji Trophy comeback and 11 wickets in nine matches during the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Kuldeep Yadav is expected to return to form by January 20
Meanwhile, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness is also uncertain after a recent surgery, but he remains the team’s preferred option for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. If the 30-year-old Kuldeep Yadav is not fit, Ravi Bishnoi is likely to get a chance.
However, the reporter revealed that Kuldeep Yadav is likely to regain his full fitness by January 20. And if the spinner clears the fitness test and gets clearance from the NCA medical team, Kuldeep Yadav is sure to be picked for the upcoming England series and Champions Trophy 2025 as well.
Considering Kuldeep Yadav’s outstanding performance in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, he would be given priority in ODIs, according to the reporter. It was also reported that Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav will undergo fitness tests very soon and their selection for England ODIs is on the cards but their participation will depend on fitness.
