The wait is finally over. The 12:30 pm (IST) scheduled press conference that actually started at 3:00 pm (IST) finally uncovered all the secrets over India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma, the captain, alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar listed out the 15-man squad, with the roster being on expected lines. However, the major exclusions were Sanju Samson and Mohammed Siraj. While Arshdeep Singh replaced Siraj, Rishabh Pant continued to bench Samson in the team. Meanwhile, we got a massive news on Rohit Sharma as well, who has decided to play Ranji Trophy for Mumbai. However, will he retire after the ICC Champions Trophy? Moreover, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is set to name their new captain after KL Rahul. Catch all this more on our Daily Review System (DRS) for January 18.
Rohit Sharma to retire after Champions Trophy?
While Rohit Sharma has already retired from T20 internationals, the ICC Champions Trophy could be his last hurrah as an ODI player. He is a legend in the format and has done exceedingly well in ICC tournaments. After lifting the T20 World Cup trophy, it will be Rohit’s last chance to win another ICC trophy. With his dwindling form and age, it is unlikely that he will continue beyond the Champions Trophy which will be his swansong. While BCCI hasn’t stated anything, a BCCI source told InsideSport that “There have been discussions of a transition.” Read more here: Countdown on: Rohit set for last hurrah in ICC Champions Trophy
Rishabh Pant benches Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson’s fate has again seen him miss out on an ICC mega event. He has been excluded from India’s squad at the ICC Champions Trophy, with India choosing KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the two keepers. While KL was an obvious one, Pant took Samson’s spot. This is despite the fact that Samson has more runs and has more centuries than Pant since the ODI World Cup 2023. However, Samson’s miscommunication with KCA and non-involvement at the Vijay Hazare Trophy might have played a big part. Read more here: Samson misses out from ICC CT squad; Pant gets the nod.
Rohit Sharma returns to Ranji Trophy!
For the first time since November 2015, Rohit Sharma will play Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic red-ball tourney. It is a massive news considering that Rohit hasn’t played the domestic format since over 3,365 days. BCCI has been adamant about players to play the Ranji Trophy or any domestic tournament for that matter. Rohit confirmed his availability during the press conference. Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match is against J&K on Jan 23 in Mumbai. This could surely mean that Rohit hasn’t decided to hang up his boots in the longest format of the game. Read more here: Rohit to play Ranji Trophy after 3,365 days!
New LSG captain soon!
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will announce their new captain for IPL 2025 on January 20. After releasing KL Rahul, LSG has two strong captaincy contenders: Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant, who was acquired for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore. Pant, with his experience leading Delhi Capitals, seems the likely choice. He has led Delhi in 43 matches and has the expertise to take over from Rahul. The announcement will be made by LSG’s founder and chairman, Sanjiv Goenka. Read more here: LSG to announce captain on Jan 20, Pant or Pooran expected to lead.
Jasprit Bumrah not confirmed for Champions Trophy?
While Jasprit Bumrah is part of the ICC Champions Trophy squad, he can still be replaced if not fit. Bumrah, who complained about bad spasm during the BGT, isn’t fit yet. Hence, he might not play the ODIs against England. As a cover, India have Harshit Rana for that series. Bumrah will undergo scans on February 2, and it’s result will decide his future. Team India can make changes to their ICC Champions Trophy squad by February 13. Read more here: Bumrah not confirmed for ICC CT? Star pacer to have scans on Feb 2
Gautam Gambhir a bona fide leader?
Umesh Yadav has come out in support of Gautam Gambhir, calling him a leader who gives freedom to players, especially youngsters. Despite Gambhir facing criticism for India’s recent losses, Umesh credited him for his captaincy during their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Yadav recalled his IPL debut under Gambhir’s captaincy, where he was told to bowl freely without pressure. Yadav had a successful stint with KKR from 2014 to 2017, taking 48 wickets under Gambhir’s leadership. Read more here: Amid ‘hypocrisy’ criticism on Gambhir, Umesh backs India coach
