"with only 15 spots available, we can’t fit everyone.”
India’s squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked plenty of conversation, with some surprises and standout selections catching the eye.
Led by Rohit Sharma, the two-time champions will look to triumph and make it back-to-back wins at major men’s ICC tournaments, having won the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With the Champions Trophy getting underway from February 19, 2025, India’s squad has raised intriguing questions.
From squad impacts to surprise omissions, all of which could shape India’s quest for Champions Trophy glory.
Let’s take a look.
Karun Nair’s Surprise Omission
One of the standout absences from the squad was in-form batter Karun Nair, whose recent form in India’s domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Nair played a big part in helping Vidarbha reach the final, scoring five centuries and 752 runs.
Nair was dismissed just once in his seven innings, and his runs came at a healthy strike rate of 125.96.
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that Nair’s form put him firmly in the conversation, but that there wasn’t quite room to fit him into the top order.
He said: “Performances like his don’t happen often. However, with only 15 spots available, we can’t fit everyone.”
Sanju Samson Misses Out
Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was also left out of the squad, with Rishabh Pant preferred for the role.
Since his ODI debut in 2021, Samson has averaged 56.66 in 14 innings, making his omission for the upcoming Champions Trophy somewhat unfortunate.
Pant’s talent and influence in other formats are undeniable, but his ODI record is less impressive, averaging 33.50 across 31 matches.
Yashasvi Jaiswal too Good to Ignore
India’s squad boasts plenty of experience, but Yashasvi Jaiswal stands out as an exception.
The 23-year-old left-hander has impressed in Test cricket but is yet to make his ODI debut.
He is set to feature in India’s upcoming ODI series against England, with captain Rohit Sharma stating that Jaiswal’s form and talent in other formats made him impossible to overlook.
Rohit Sharma said:
“We picked Jaiswal on the basis of what he has shown in the last few months despite not playing ODI cricket.
“He has been picked on potential and sometimes you have to do that.”
Trustworthy Captaincy Dynamic
India’s squad features several senior leaders, which could create uncertainty over messaging and leadership roles.
However, Rohit Sharma insists his working relationship with coach Gautam Gambhir is well-defined, with Gambhir trusting him to make on-field decisions.
Sharma said: “Both of us are very clear about what we want to do. I am not going to sit here and discuss what goes behind the scenes, every game tactically. But, it’s very clear in my mind.
“Once we enter the field, he trusts what the captain is doing on the field.
“That’s the kind of trust we have in each other. That’s how it should be.”
Shubman Gill will remain vice-captain of the ODI side despite the return of several senior players.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar believes the decision should not be seen as controversial:
“Shubman was vice-captain in Sri Lanka anyway, I wouldn’t read too much into it.
“A lot of the feedback comes from the dressing room. You also want to keep your options open.
“One of the challenges is that not many are leading their state teams nowadays … but you are always on the lookout for anyone who has got some leadership qualities.”
BCCI Protocol
During a press conference, reports emerged about an updated BCCI Protocol imposing new rules on Indian players.
However, Rohit Sharma suggested that any discussion should wait until the BCCI makes an official announcement.
India’s captain stated: “Who told you about these rules? Has it come from the official handle of the BCCI? Let it come officially.”
Similarly, Ajit Agarkar explained that any changes by the BCCI would involve adjusting existing rules rather than imposing new directives on the players:
“I think every team has some rules in place. We have spoken about various things.
“We have seen in the last few months the need for some changes, more bonding in the team.”
“It’s not a school, it’s not a punishment. We have some rules and when you are playing for the national team, you follow the rules.
“These are not school kids, these are superstars. They know how to handle themselves. But, at the end of the day, you play for your country, so you need to follow some rules.
“A lot of these rules were already in place. You keep on refining it.”
Impact of Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness
India has concerns about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness for the upcoming Champions Trophy and will not field him for at least the first two matches of the ODI series against England.
Harshit Rana has been added to the squad as cover, but Bumrah’s fitness also influenced the selection of the other pace bowlers for the Champions Trophy.
Arshdeep Singh was preferred to Mohammed Siraj, largely due to role-specific considerations.
Sharma said: “We are not sure of Bumrah and so we picked a squad where we had options of players who can bowl up front and at the back end.
“If Bumrah is not there we wanted Arshdeep to do it.
“That is where we felt Siraj’s effectiveness comes down when he is not taking the new ball.
“It is unfortunate he is missing out, but we had to get guys who can perform a certain role.”
As the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy draws closer, India’s squad selection has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable campaign.
While there are surprises and standout choices that have sparked debate, one thing remains certain – the talent and depth within this squad make them strong contenders for a third Champions Trophy title.
With experienced leaders like Rohit Sharma at the helm and fresh faces ready to shine, India’s journey to defending their crown will be a thrilling spectacle for fans to watch.
However, the real test will come on the field, where these selections will be put to the ultimate test.