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In an expected announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) exposed India‘s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during a press conference held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.
The event was attended by the Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The squad announcement comes after a tumultuous season for Indian cricket, especially after their performance in the ODI World Cup 2023.
India’s challenge for Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in a hybrid model, where India will play their matches in Dubai while other matches will be held at three venues in Pakistan. This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus and features eight teams divided into two groups. India are placed in Group A along with Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. They will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by matches against Pakistan and New Zealand.
5 players dropped from India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad after 2023 ODI World Cup
Despite the strong showing of ODI World Cup 2023where India reached the finals unbeaten in the league stage, many key players who participated in that tournament were absent from the Champions Trophy squad. The following players are notable omissions:
1) Mohammed Siraj
Despite being an integral part of India’s bowling attack during the World Cup, Mohammed Siraj was left out of the Champions Trophy squad. His performances in the World Cup were commendable, showing his ability to take wickets at critical points. However, the selectors opted for a different combination for the Champions Trophy, likely favoring players with recent experience in international games or those who better fit their strategic plans for the tournament. This decision raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, as many expected Siraj to be a mainstay in the bowling lineup.
READ ALSO: 3 Australian players to miss out on 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in ODI World Cup 2023
2) Ishan Kishan
Ishan KishanHis exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad was another shocking decision. Although he played a role in the World Cup, his form changed during the important games. With Rishabh Pant return to form and KL RahulKishan’s versatility as a keeper-batter, Kishan’s chances are reduced. In addition, his absence in domestic competitions such as Vijay Hazare Trophy May play a major role in the decision-making process of the electorate. The BCCI emphasizes participation in domestic tournaments, and Kishan’s lack of participation may have been viewed unfavorably by the selectors.
3) Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar YadavHis removal is particularly notable because of his reputation as an explosive batter. However, his inconsistency during the World Cup may have led the selectors to prioritize players who have shown consistency and reliability. With young talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal on the way up, Yadav’s position became weak. The selectors may have decided to invest in players who have shown consistent performance in recent games rather than relying on Yadav’s potential.
4) Shardul Thakur
Shardul ThakurAll these capabilities are not enough to secure his place in the Champions Trophy squad. While he has contributed with bat and ball during the World Cup, Thakur’s role has been overshadowed by other players who have made a greater impact in recent games. Selectors may be opting for a more specialized bowling line that better serves their strategic needs for the tournament.
The effect of selection decisions
The decision to skip these players sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Many believed that Siraj’s exclusion was more controversial because of 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 affect India’s bowling depth.
