BCCI finally announces India’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday unveiled the 15-member Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in a hybrid model with matches in Pakistan and Dubai.

Veteran opener Rohit Sharma will lead the team, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami return as key pace bowlers.

The tournament, making its return to the international schedule after an eight-year hiatus, is set to begin on February 19.

India will play its group-stage matches in Dubai, starting with an opener against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by high-stakes games against Pakistan and New Zealand.

The squad includes experienced players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja, alongside emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Arshdeep Singh.

Notably, Kuldeep Yadav has been named as the lead spinner, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar providing additional spin options.

India’s squad announcement comes amid memories of their painful defeat to Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval. India, who last won the trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s leadership, will be looking to reclaim the title.

The hybrid hosting model will see India’s matches in Dubai, while the remainder of the tournament is set to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The move comes after lengthy negotiations between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding participation and security concerns.

India’s Champions Trophy Squad

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja