The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in a press conference held at Wankhede Stadium on January 18. Rohit Sharma has been named captain for the eight-team tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9. Shubman Gill will serve as his deputy, a decision that has reportedly sparked internal discussions among the team management.
Discussions on Vice-Captaincy: Gill vs. Pandya
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, head coach Gautam Gambhir advocated for Hardik Pandya to be appointed as the vice-captain. However, Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar preferred Shubman Gill for the role. Hardik, who previously served as vice-captain in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the T20 World Cup 2024, has since been excluded from leadership roles.
Interestingly, Hardik was expected to lead India’s T20I side following Rohit’s retirement from the format in June 2024. However, the position went to Suryakumar Yadav, leaving many surprised by the decision. Meanwhile, Gill, who acted as vice-captain during India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka in August 2024, managed to retain the position, solidifying his spot in the leadership team.
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Samson vs. Pant: The Wicketkeeper Debate
Another notable discussion revolved around the selection of the wicketkeeper-batter for the tournament. Reports suggest that Gambhir pushed for Sanju Samson, who made headlines in 2024 by becoming the first batter to score three T20I centuries in a calendar year. Despite his recent achievements, Rohit and Agarkar backed Rishabh Pant for the role.
Samson’s last ODI appearance was in December 2023, where he scored an impressive 108 runs against South Africa. However, Pant, known for his consistency and match-winning ability, ultimately secured his place in the squad.
Key Changes in the Bowling Line-Up
The squad also features notable changes in the bowling department. Former world No. 1 ODI bowler Mohammed Siraj was dropped from both the England ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has played eight ODIs, was preferred alongside experienced bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
India’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Other Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
This line-up showcases a mix of experience and youth, aiming to bring the Champions Trophy title back to India. Fans eagerly await the tournament, with hopes pinned on the team’s star players and strategic leadership decisions.