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In a long-awaited announcement, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) exposed Indiateam for the upcoming ODI series against England and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during a press conference held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.
The event was attended by the Indian captain Rohit Sharma and the main menu Ajit Agarkar. The announcement of the squad comes after a tumultuous period for Indian cricket, especially after their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
India’s Challenge for Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Dubai, while the rest of the matches will be played at three venues in Pakistan. This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, and will feature eight teams divided into two groups. India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. They will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by matches against Pakistan and New Zealand.
5 players dropped from Indian squad for Champions Trophy 2025 after performance in ODI World Cup 2023.
Despite the good result at ODI World Cup 2023where India reached the final undefeated in the league stage, several key players who participated in that tournament were left out of the Champions Trophy squad. The following players were left out:
1) Mohammed Siraj
Despite being a key part of India’s bowling attack during the World Cup, Mohammed Siraj he was left out of the squad for the Champions Trophy. His performances in the World Cup were commendable, showing his ability to take wickets in critical situations. However, selectors opted for a different combination for the Champions Trophy, perhaps favoring players with more recent international experience or those who fit better into their strategic plans for the tournament. This decision raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, as many expected Siraj to be a mainstay in the bowling line-up.
READ ALSO: 3 Australian players to miss 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in 2023 ODI World Cup
2) Ishan Kishan
Ishan KishanHis exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad is another surprising decision. Although he had a role at the World Cup, his form fluctuated during key matches. WITH Rishabh Pant getting back in shape i KL RahulDue to his versatility as a goalkeeper, Kishan’s chances are reduced. Additionally, his absence from domestic competitions such as Vijay Hazare Trophy may have played a significant role in the decision-making of the selectors. The BCCI has emphasized participation in domestic tournaments and Kishan’s lack of engagement could have been unfavorable to the selectors.
3) Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar YadavHis omission is particularly noteworthy given his reputation as an explosive batsman. However, his inconsistency during the World Cup may have led the selectors to favor players who have shown consistency and reliability. With younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal stepping up, Yadav’s position became vulnerable. The selectors may have decided to invest in players who have shown consistent performance in recent matches instead of banking on Yadav’s potential.
4) Shardul Thakur
Shardul ThakurHis all-round ability was not enough to secure his place in the Champions Trophy squad. Although he contributed with both bat and ball during the World Cup, Thakur’s role was overshadowed by other players who were more influential in the final matches. The selectors may have opted for a more specialized bowling line-up that might better serve their strategic needs for the tournament.
Impact of selection decisions
The decision to leave these players out has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Many believe that Siraj’s exclusion is particularly controversial given his performances during the World Cup. His ability to take crucial wickets at crucial times has made him a fan favourite, and his absence could affect India’s bowling depth.
