Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma to Lead, Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain

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Team india

Key Points:

  1. Squad Announcement: Rohit Sharma will captain the 15-member Indian team, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain.
  2. Veteran and Young Talent: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant join young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad.
  3. Hybrid Hosting Model: India to play all matches in Dubai, as Pakistan hosts the tournament.
  4. Schedule Highlights: India opens against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a high-stakes match against Pakistan.
  5. Venue Adjustments: India’s semi-final venue will shift to Dubai if they qualify, avoiding Lahore.

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled Team India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 20. Under the leadership of veteran opener Rohit Sharma, the squad blends experience and youth, aiming to bring the trophy home. Rising star Shubman Gill, who has been in exceptional form, has been named vice-captain.

Squad Breakdown

The 15-member squad includes notable names like former skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah, along with all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. The squad also welcomes back Shreyas Iyer, who earned his spot after stellar performances in domestic cricket.

  • Batting Strength: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
  • All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar.
  • Bowling Powerhouse: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
  • Wicketkeeping Duties: Rishabh Pant, who is set to add firepower in the middle order.

Hybrid Hosting Model and Schedule

With Pakistan hosting the tournament, BCCI had earlier refused to send players to Pakistan due to political tensions. The International Cricket Council (ICC) adopted a hybrid model, assigning all of India’s matches to Dubai.

Group Stage Matches:

  1. February 20: India vs. Bangladesh.
  2. February 25: India vs. Pakistan.
  3. March 2: India’s final group-stage match.

If India qualifies for the semi-finals, their venue will shift from Lahore to Dubai, ensuring neutral ground.

Pakistan’s Squad Awaited

While all other participating nations have announced their squads, Pakistan is yet to finalize its team. The delay adds intrigue, as Pakistan remains the tournament’s host and a key contender.

BCCI’s Preparations and Vision

This announcement underscores India’s balanced approach, combining experienced campaigners and dynamic young talent. Shreyas Iyer’s comeback and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s inclusion reflect the depth of Indian cricket. The management’s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as vice-captain highlights his growing stature in the team.

Road Ahead for Team India

With a strong squad and strategic preparation, Team India is well-positioned to make a deep run in the Champions Trophy 2025. The hybrid model, high-profile clashes, and the pressure of international expectations set the stage for a thrilling tournament.

India’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025:

  • 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

The countdown begins as India eyes another ICC trophy in this exciting cricketing spectacle.

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