The Champions Trophy 2025 has become a big mystery for the fans, players and the boards involved. Despite the hybrid model being given a nod, the schedule for the tournament is not yet out; but what is final is, Team India will play all its matches in Dubai. And given the conditions, it has to be the right mix of pace and spin bowling in the squad. While the BCCI is not even close to revealing the squad for the Champions Trophy, InsideSport attempts at predicting the squad.
Shubman Gill & Rohit Sharma as Openers
When it comes to ODIs, Shubman Gill and ROhit Sharma have done enough to be selected automatically. In 265 matches, the skipper has scored 10,866 runs at an average of close to 50 with 31 tons to his name. On the other hand, Gill has had a rousing start to his 50-over career scoring 2328 runs in 47 matches, at an average of 58.20.
India doesn’t really need a back up opener here, but in case of emergency, KL Rahul could be slotted in, who too has an excellent record in the ODIs.
Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer in Middle-order
While we are not certain as to which all batters will make the cut in the playing XI, but at least Shreyas Iyer should get a chance for sure, keeping in mind his domestic cricket exploits. In the SMAT, in 9 matches, he scored 345 runs at an average of 49. Apart from that the usual suspects will be Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Panyda. KL Rahul could be fit in anywhere in the line up, if needed.
Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Panyda, Nitish Kumar Reddy
Once again, Hardik Pandya will be the first choice all-rounder in the XI. But having said that, Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy seem to be making the cut as well. Nitish, in the three Tests and three T20Is he has played, has shown that he can deliver on the big stage. In the 22 List A matches, he has 403 runs with a highest-score 60, at an average of 36. He has picked up 14 wickets as well. Jaddu, too has shown, that he has still a bit of cricket left in him. Recently, he scored a fighting 50 against Australia in Brisbane.
Spin Looks Sorted
Apart from Jaddu, there could also be the likes of Axar Patel and even Kuldeep Yadav. They all make the cut on their current form, and can contain runs too, when needed. Of course, the team will only play 2-3 at a time, but all four are a must in the squad.
Shami In? Only Fitness Will Tell
But the biggest headache for Team India would be the fitness of Mohammed Shami. So, let us assume he gets fit for the CT 2025, and he makes the cut automatically — then other pacers in the squad will be Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. If Shami is unfit, someone like Akash Deep can be looked at. Apart from that, having left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, will only add variety to the attack.
Predicted India Squad
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Reddy, Shreyas Iyer.
