In a highly anticipated announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled 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 Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The squad announcement comes after a tumultuous period for Indian cricket, especially following their performance in the ODI World Cup 2023.
India’s challenge for Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Dubai while other games will take place across three venues in Pakistan. This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus and will feature eight teams divided into two groups. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. They will kick off 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 featuring in the 2023 ODI World Cup
Despite a strong showing at the ODI World Cup 2023, where India reached the finals undefeated in the league phase, several key players who participated in that tournament were left out of the Champions Trophy squad. The following players were notable omissions:
1) Mohammed Siraj
Despite being a crucial 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, showcasing his ability to take wickets at critical junctures. However, selectors opted for a different combination for the Champions Trophy, possibly favouring players with more recent experience in international matches or those who fit better into their strategic plans for the tournament. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, as many expected Siraj to be a mainstay in the bowling lineup.
Also READ: 3 Australian players to miss out on the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in ODI World Cup 2023
2) Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan‘s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad is another surprising decision. Although he had a role in the World Cup, his form fluctuated during crucial matches. With Rishabh Pant returning to form and KL Rahul‘s versatility as a keeper-batter, Kishan’s chances diminished. Additionally, his absence from domestic competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy may have played a significant role in the selectors’ decision-making process. The BCCI has emphasized participation in domestic tournaments, and Kishan’s lack of involvement could have been viewed unfavourably by the selectors.
3) Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav‘s omission is particularly noteworthy given his reputation as an explosive batter. However, his inconsistency during the World Cup may have led selectors to prioritize players who demonstrated steadiness and reliability. With younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal stepping up, Yadav’s position became vulnerable. The selectors may have decided to invest in players who have shown consistent performance in recent matches rather than relying on Yadav’s potential.
4) Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur‘s all-round capabilities were not enough to secure his place in the Champions Trophy squad. While he contributed with both bat and ball during the World Cup, Thakur’s role was overshadowed by other players who have been more impactful in recent games. The selectors may have opted for a more specialized bowling lineup that could better serve their strategic needs for the tournament.
The impact of selection decisions
The decision to omit these players has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Many believe that Siraj’s exclusion is particularly controversial given his performance metrics during the World Cup. His ability to take crucial wickets at key moments made him a fan favourite, and his absence could affect India’s bowling depth.
