India to announce Champions Trophy 2025 squad before January 12: Sources
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce India’s squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 before January 12.
Meanwhile, the squad for the five-match T20I series against England is likely to be announced by January 11, according to a notice sent to the selection panel specifically regarding T20s.
However, sources told India Today that the ODI squad for the series against England and the Champions Trophy lineup might also be finalised on the same day or by January 12, the ICC’s deadline for submitting the provisional squad. All eight teams have until February 13 to make changes to their provisional squads, giving selectors some flexibility to adjust to injuries or form concerns.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. The tournament will include 12 group-stage matches, followed by the semifinals and final. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
If India reach the final, Dubai will also host the summit clash. India’s group stage fixtures include matches against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2. The tournament begins on February 19, with the final set to take place on March 8.
INDIA PROBABLE SQUAD?
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain the backbone of India’s ODI batting lineup, but the inclusion of senior players KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja is uncertain as selectors meet this weekend to finalise the Champions Trophy squad.
Despite being part of the 2023 World Cup, their roles have come under scrutiny. Post-World Cup, India played six ODIs, with Shami and Jadeja rested throughout. Rahul, included in bilateral series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, was dropped midway through the latter after underwhelming performances, including a sedate half-century against Australia in the World Cup semi-final, which drew heavy criticism.
Meanwhile, rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal is a strong contender for a spot. His inclusion would not only bring fresh energy but also add a much-needed left-handed option to India’s top four. The selectors face a tough choice between experience and form as the Champions Trophy approaches, starting February 19.