ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Team India complete squad analysis. India goes spin heavy in the tournament.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played under a hybrid model in Pakistan and the UAE. While the squad boasts big names and experienced players, there are some noticeable gaps and questions about the balance of the team, especially in the pace department and batting order composition.
Pace attack: A bowler short?
India’s fast-bowling unit for the Champions Trophy consists of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh. However, the decision to go with only three frontline pacers in a tournament played on UAE pitches—where the ball swings under lights and seam movement often plays a role—raises concerns.
Adding to this, both Shami and Bumrah have been recovering from injuries. Shami made a comeback after an ankle surgery in domestic cricket, having participated in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Bumrah, on the other hand, sustained back spasms during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He will miss the ODI series against England at home due to the same injury. Their fitness during the tournament will be crucial, as the absence of a fourth seamer could put immense pressure on Arshdeep Singh, who is still establishing himself in ODIs.
The omission of Mohammed Siraj, currently one of India’s most consistent pacers in ODIs, has also sparked debate. Siraj’s ability to swing the new ball and bowl in the middle overs could have added more variety and depth to the attack.
Spin-heavy strategy
India have included four spinners in the squad: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. While Kuldeep has been India’s go-to wrist-spinner, the presence of both Jadeja and Axar raises questions, as their left-arm orthodox styles and batting abilities overlap significantly. Washington Sundar’s inclusion at one point is understandable as the ‘Men in Blue’ might need an off-spinner.
Apart from this, Kuldeep has been away from the game for a long time now. He is currently recovering from an injury and is under rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. This further amplifies India’s spin-heavy approach, that could backfire on flat UAE pitches that traditionally favour pacers.
The reliance on spinners suggests India are banking on containing opposition batters rather than picking wickets upfront. This strategy, however, could leave the team vulnerable in high-scoring games.
Batting composition: Lack of left-handed options in the top six
India’s batting order is heavily right-handed, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal providing a left-handed option. However, Jaiswal is expected to be a backup opener, meaning the primary top six—Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya—lack variety in terms of left-right combinations. Yes, Pant is there in the team, but he has played only one ODI match since December 2022.
This imbalance could allow opposition teams to exploit matchups, particularly with spinners targeting India’s predominantly right-handed lineup.
Jadeja and Axar Patel: Too similar?
The inclusion of both Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel has raised eyebrows due to their strikingly similar skill sets. Both are left-arm orthodox spinners and capable lower-order batters, but again both are left-hand batters as well. While Jadeja’s experience and proven all-round abilities make him a vital cog, Axar’s role seems redundant. The team might have benefitted from picking a specialist bowler or an additional pacer in his place.
KL Rahul vs. Rishabh Pant: The wicketkeeper dilemma
The battle for the wicketkeeper’s spot between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant adds an intriguing subplot to the squad selection. Rahul’s versatility as a batter and his solid performance in the middle order make him a reliable option, but Pant’s ability to counter-attack and turn games around cannot be overlooked.
Given the format, Rahul appears to be the preferred choice, but Pant’s recent red-ball half-century and knack for big-match performances in ICC tournaments keep him in contention. This rivalry will likely continue throughout the group stage.
Conclusion
While India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 boasts experience and talent, there are balance concerns. The absence of a fourth pacer, the inclusion of two similar all-rounders, and the lack of left-handers in the top six could pose challenges. Additionally, the fitness of key players like Bumrah and Shami will be closely monitored, as their availability could make or break India’s campaign.
India’s first game against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai will provide an early indication of how these selections pan out in a high-stakes tournament.
Team India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), 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
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