The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a hybrid event with teams from all over the world competing for cricketing supremacy. The tournament, which runs from February 19 to March 9, promises to be an exciting showcase of top cricket, bringing together the best in the sport in an exciting month of action. With a mix of traditional venues in Pakistan and Dubai, the competition will feature high-stakes encounters between the world’s best teams, with Indiaas usual, one of the most anticipated sides. As the tournament approaches, the hype builds and all eyes will be on how the team shapes up to take on their toughest opponents.
High expectations from the Indian team
India enters the 2025 Champions Trophy with high expectations, as it is always considered to be one of the strongest contenders in the tournament. With a rich history in the competition, including winning the Champions Trophy in 2013 and finishing runners-up in the last edition, India will be looking to reclaim the title. The team, consisting of a mix of seasoned stars and exciting young talent, is ready to take on the challenge. A win here would not only add another prestigious title to their trophy drawer but also cement their position as the dominant force in world cricket. However, it is clear that only the right combination of players can lead them to glory, and there it is Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan PathanTeam selection comes into focus.
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Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar pick their Indian squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Gavaskar and Pathan, two of India’s iconic cricketers, have unveiled their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Their selection reflects a balance of experience, youth and dynamic all-rounders who will compete in the high-pressure tournament.
Rohit Sharma (Captain): Prolific opener and one of India’s most experienced players, Rohit will lead the team. With several years of captaincy experience and numerous match-winning knocks, Rohit’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team through high-octane encounters.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opening batsman is making waves with his performances in domestic cricket. Jaiswal’s attacking style at the top of the order will complement Rohit Sharma, ensuring India an explosive start in every game.
Virat Kohli: Kohli’s inclusion of old Indian cricket is not smart. Known for his consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in big matches, Kohli’s form will be key to India’s middle order, offering stability and potential for big runs.
KL Rahul: Rahul’s versatility in the batting line-up makes him a vital asset. His ability to play both a leadership and aggressive role in the middle order will provide much-needed depth to the batting line-up.
Shreyas Iyer: One of India’s most consistent players in recent years, Iyer’s aggressive and calculated approach in the middle order will play a key role in building partnerships and accelerating the scoring rate in the later stages of the innings.
“KL Rahul had a fantastic 50-over World Cup. Shreyas Iyer – what an ODI World Cup he had, I think he needed some support. In the last few months, he has not received that support. I will definitely be backing these two guys to be present at the Champions Trophy.” Pathan said on Star Sports.
Rishabh Pant: As one of the most dynamic wicketkeepers and batsmen, Pant’s inclusion offers a blend of aggression and finesse. His explosive batting style makes him a game changer in the lower middle order, capable of turning a game around with his quick innings.
Hardik Pandya: The all-rounder is a vital cog in both batting and bowling. Pandya’s ability to provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball and accelerate India’s batting in the middle and lower order makes him indispensable.
Ravindra Jadeja: Known for his spin bowling and sharp fielding, Jadeja brings both experience and versatility. His ability to contribute with the bat adds depth to India’s lower order, making him a key all-rounder in the team.
Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm spinner is one of the best bowlers in limited-overs cricket. Kuldeep’s ability to bowl attacking spells and pick key wickets will be key to breaking partnerships and giving the team momentum.
Mohammed Shami: One of India’s most reliable fast bowlers, Shami’s experience in international cricket makes him an essential part of the bowling attack. His ability to deliver in crunch moments will be invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations at the Champions Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah: India’s number one fast bowler, Bumrah is known for his deadly yorkers and death skills. Despite concerns about his fitness, his presence in the team remains crucial, as his skill set is unmatched when it comes to closing out tight games.
Shubman Gill: One of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket, Gill’s consistency and ability to play both attacking and calculated innings make him a valuable player. He could provide India with much-needed stability at the top.
Sanju Samson: Samson brings depth to the Indian middle-order, with his wicket-keeping skills and ability to play match-winning shots. A dynamic player capable of turning a game around in short order, his role will be crucial in the limited overs format.
“Sanju Samson, with the hundreds he has scored, he has to be in the team because he has scored hundreds for India. How can you ignore someone who is scoring hundreds for his country,” Gavaskar said.
Mohammed Siraj: The fast bowler’s form and his ability to generate pace and bounce will be a key asset for India. Siraj’s ability to bowl tight spells and pick up wickets in the early overs makes him an important figure in the Indian bowling attack.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Reddy’s inclusion brings a touch of youth to the team. Known for his consistency in domestic cricket, his all-round ability could be crucial in filling gaps in the middle order or as a backup bowler in certain conditions.
“Having a versatile fastball player as a backup is a wonderful option. Nitish Kumar Reddy is also on top. It’s not easy to perform in Australia, he did it,” Pathan remarked.
Gavaskar and Pathan’s India squad for CT 2025
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy
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