Table of Contents
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to be a hybrid event, with teams from all corners of the globe competing for cricketing supremacy. The tournament, running from February 19 to March 9, promises to be an exciting showcase of top-tier cricket, bringing together the best in the sport for a thrilling month of action. With a mix of traditional venues in Pakistan and Dubai, the competition will feature high-stakes encounters between the world’s best teams, with India, as usual, being one of the most anticipated sides. As the tournament approaches, the hype is building, and all eyes will be on how the team shapes up to take on its toughest opponents.
High expectations from Team India
India enters the Champions Trophy 2025 with high expectations, as they are always considered one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. With a rich history in the competition, including winning the Champions Trophy in 2013 and being the runners-up of the last edition, India will be aiming to regain the title. The team, featuring a blend of experienced stars and exciting young talent, is ready to take on the challenge. A win here would not only add another prestigious title to their trophy cabinet but would also solidify their position as a dominant force in world cricket. However, it is clear that only the right combination of players can lead them to glory, and that’s where Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan’s squad picks come into focus.
Also READ: India or Pakistan? Mohammad Amir predicts the winner of the high-voltage clash in Champions Trophy 2025
Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar pick their India squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Gavaskar and Pathan, two of India’s iconic cricketers, have unveiled their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Their selection reflects a balance of experience, youth, and dynamic all-rounders to compete in the high-pressure tournament.
Rohit Sharma (Captain): The prolific opener and one of India’s most experienced players, Rohit, will lead the squad. With several years of captaincy experience and numerous match-winning knocks, Rohit’s leadership will be key in guiding the team through the high-octane encounters.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opening batter has been making waves with his performances in domestic cricket. Jaiswal’s attacking style at the top of the order will complement Rohit Sharma, providing India with an explosive start in every match.
Virat Kohli: A stalwart of Indian cricket, Kohli’s inclusion is a no-brainer. Known for his consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in big matches, Kohli’s form will be crucial for India’s middle order, offering stability and the potential for big runs.
KL Rahul: Rahul’s versatility across the batting order makes him a vital asset. His ability to play both anchor and aggressive roles in the middle order will provide much-needed depth to the batting lineup.
Shreyas Iyer: One of India’s most consistent performers in recent years, Iyer’s aggressive and calculated approach in the middle order will play a key role in building partnerships and accelerating the scoring rate in the latter stages of the innings.
“KL Rahul had a fantastic 50-over World Cup. Shreyas Iyer – the kind of ODI World Cup he had, I think he needed some backing. In the last few months, he has not got that backing. I will definitely back these two guys to be there in the Champions Trophy,” said Pathan on Star Sports.
Rishabh Pant: As one of the most dynamic wicketkeepers and batters, Pant’s inclusion offers a blend of aggression and finesse. His explosive batting style makes him a game-changer in the lower middle order, capable of turning games around with his quick-fire innings.
Hardik Pandya: The all-rounder is a vital cog in both batting and bowling. Pandya’s ability to provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball and accelerate India’s scoring in the middle and lower order makes him indispensable.
Ravindra Jadeja: Known for his spin bowling and sharp fielding, Jadeja brings both experience and versatility. His ability to contribute with the bat adds depth to India’s lower order, making him a key all-rounder in the squad.
Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm wrist-spinner is one of the premier bowlers in limited-overs cricket. Kuldeep’s ability to bowl attacking spells and pick crucial wickets will be pivotal in breaking partnerships and providing the team with momentum.
Mohammed Shami: One of India’s most reliable fast bowlers, Shami’s experience in international cricket makes him an essential part of the bowling attack. His ability to deliver in the crunch moments will be invaluable, especially in the high-pressure situations of the Champions Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah: India’s premier fast bowler, Bumrah is renowned for his lethal yorkers and death-over skills. Despite concerns over his fitness, his presence in the squad remains crucial, as his skillset is unmatched when it comes to closing out tight games.
Shubman Gill: One of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket, Gill’s consistency and ability to play both attacking and calculated innings make him a valuable player. He could provide India with the much-needed stability in the top order.
Sanju Samson: Samson brings depth to India’s middle order, with his wicketkeeping skills and ability to play match-winning knocks. A dynamic player capable of turning a game around in a short period, his role will be crucial in the limited overs format.
“Sanju Samson, with the hundreds he has scored, has to be in the squad because he has scored hundreds for India. How can you ignore somebody who is scoring hundreds for his country,” said Gavaskar.
Mohammed Siraj: The fast bowler’s form and his ability to generate pace and bounce will be a key asset for India. Siraj’s ability to bowl tight spells and pick up wickets in the early overs makes him an important figure in India’s bowling attack.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Reddy’s inclusion brings a touch of youth to the squad. Known for his consistency in domestic cricket, his all-around abilities could be crucial in filling any gaps in the middle-order or as a backup bowler in certain conditions.
“Having a fast-bowling all-rounder as your backup is a wonderful option. Nitish Kumar Reddy is on a high also. Not easy to perform in Australia, he has done that,” observed Pathan.
Gavaskar and Pathan’s India squad for CT 2025
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy
