In a highly anticipated announcement, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveil IndiaSquad for the upcoming ODI series vs England and ICC Champions Cup 2025 During the press conference held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.
The ceremony was attended by the Indian captain Rohit Sharma And the main chosen one Ajit Agarkar. The team announcement comes after a turbulent period for Indian cricket, especially after their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Challenge India for Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in a hybrid model, where India will play its matches in Dubai while the other matches will be played at three venues in Dubai. Pakistan. This tournament marks the return of the Champions Cup after an eight-year hiatus and will feature eight teams divided into two groups. India is in the first group alongside Pakistan. New Zealand and Bangladesh. The national team will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand.
5 players left out of India Champions Trophy 2025 squad after participating in ODI World Cup 2023
Despite the strong showing in Audi World Cup 2023As India reached the finals unbeaten in the league stage, several key players who participated in that tournament were left out of the Champions Trophy squad. The following players were noticeably omitted:
1) Muhammad Siraj
Despite being an important part of the Indian bowling attack during the World Cup, Muhammad Siraj He was left out of the Champions Trophy squad. His performance in the World Cup was commendable, as he showed his ability to take wickets at crucial stages. However, the selectors have chosen a different combination for the Champions Trophy, perhaps preferring players with more recent international experience or those who fit better into their strategic plans for the tournament. This decision surprised fans and analysts, as many expected Siraj to be one of the main pillars of the bowling lineup.
Read also: 3 Australian players will miss the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in the 2023 ODI World Cup
2) Ishan Kishan
Ishan KishanHazard's exclusion from the Champions Cup squad is another surprising decision. Although he played a role in the World Cup, his level fluctuated during decisive matches. with Rishabh Pant Return to form and Kuala Lumpur RahulGiven his versatility as a goalkeeper, Kishan's chances diminished. In addition to his absence from local competitions such as Vijay Hazare Award It may have played an important role in the selectors' decision-making process. The BCCI emphasized participation in domestic tournaments and Kishan's non-participation could have been viewed negatively by the selectors.
3) Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar YadavHis omission is particularly noteworthy given his reputation as an explosive hitter. However, his inconsistency during the World Cup may have prompted selectors to prioritize players who have shown consistency and reliability. With young talents like Yashavi Jaiswal As he escalated, Yadav's position became weaker. Perhaps the selectors have decided to invest in players who have shown consistent performances in recent matches instead of relying on Yadav's potential.
4) Shardul Thakur
Shardul ThakurHis all-round abilities were not enough to secure his place in the Champions Trophy squad. While he contributed with bat and ball during the World Cup, Thakur's role has been overshadowed by other players who have had a greater impact in recent matches. The selectors may have opted for a more specialized bowling lineup that could better serve their strategic needs for the tournament.
Impact of selection decisions
The decision to exclude these players sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Many believe Siraj's exclusion is particularly controversial given his performance metrics during the World Cup. His ability to take crucial wickets at crucial moments has made him a fan favourite, and his absence could impact India's bowling depth.
