Champions Trophy 2025: After a challenging two-month-long Test tour of Australia, which concluded with a 1-3 series defeat on January 5, the Indian men’s cricket team is now turning its attention to white-ball cricket. The upcoming fixtures include a five-match T20I series against England, beginning on January 22 in Kolkata, followed by a three-match ODI series. These ODIs will play a crucial role in India’s preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19.
India’s Path to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy; instead, their matches will be held in Dubai. The team’s campaign begins on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by a high-stakes clash with Pakistan on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India will wrap up their league stage on March 2 against New Zealand. If the team progresses to the knockouts, the semifinals will take place on March 4 in Dubai, with the final scheduled for March 9.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy by January 12. According to a report in Times of India, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be named the vice-captain, provided he remains fit. Bumrah, who captained India in two Tests during the recent Australia series, is set to serve as Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the ICC event.
Key Players to Watch in the Champions Trophy
India’s squad for the Champions Trophy is likely to include white-ball regulars like Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh. The inclusion of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who last played for India on November 19, 2023, will be closely watched. Bumrah, owing to workload management, may be rested for the ODI series against England, but most other Champions Trophy-bound players are expected to participate.
The three ODIs against England, scheduled for February 6, 9, and 12 in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad, respectively, will serve as a final opportunity for the team to fine-tune their preparations.
Vice-Captaincy Role: Bumrah’s Steady Ascent
In recent times, India has rotated vice-captaincy among players like Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya. Gill held the position during the white-ball series against Sri Lanka in August 2024, while Pandya served as vice-captain in the 2023 ODI World Cup before an injury sidelined him. If selected, Bumrah’s appointment as vice-captain reflects the team management’s trust in his leadership and experience.
With high-profile matches lined up and the Champions Trophy just weeks away, the Indian cricket team is entering a critical phase. The combination of experienced campaigners and young talents will be key as India aims for success in Dubai and beyond.