What are the major concerns in the India squad before ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is fast approaching, with teams preparing to battle it out for the prestigious trophy. Scheduled to kick off on February 19, the tournament will feature some of the best cricketing nations in the world. However, before the action begins, teams are required to submit their tentative squads by January 12, marking a crucial deadline for all participating nations. As always, India will enter the tournament as one of the top contenders. Their recent success in international cricket, coupled with a strong and talented squad, has made them firm favourites for the title. With a balanced lineup featuring some of the best players across formats, India will be looking to add another ICC trophy to their illustrious record.

Will there be any surprises in the India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

India's squad announcement, set for January 12, is expected to be a significant moment, as the team management may make some bold and perhaps even controversial selections. With players like Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and others under close scrutiny for their recent performances, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, may have to make tough decisions. The focus will be on choosing the right blend of youth and experience, along with ensuring the fitness of key players, especially with some injury concerns, as the team prepares for the high-stakes Champions Trophy.

On Tuesday, reports emerged suggesting that India are likely to pick Yashasvi Jaiswal as the third opener for the upcoming Champions Trophy. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill already confirmed as the opening pair, Jaiswal’s inclusion would provide additional depth to India’s top order. Sanju Samson, who has typically played in the middle-order, is known for his explosive batting and ability to provide quick runs. However, with three established openers already in the squad, his role has come under scrutiny. Although Samson's best position is the opening slot, he has not been a regular fixture in the middle order, which may limit his impact in that position. If he is demoted in the batting order, his ability to perform could be significantly reduced.

As a result, there is a strong possibility that Samson may be excluded from the Champions Trophy squad unless he can prove his form in the upcoming ODI series against England. His selection will largely depend on his performance during these matches, and whether he can demonstrate that he is a valuable asset for India in the limited-overs format. November 19, 2023, marked Mohammad Shami's last appearance for India in any format, and since then, he has been sidelined due to an injury. With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, the veteran pacer has yet to make his return to full fitness, and doubts are beginning to loom over his participation.

Shami, on his day, is undoubtedly a world-class bowler, capable of turning games around with his pace and precision. However, the team management is unlikely to take any risks with an injury-prone pacer, especially for a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy. With fitness being a critical factor in the selection process, it seems unlikely that Shami will make the cut for the mega event if he is not match-ready. Given the competition for spots and the emphasis on fitness, Shami could well find himself on the outside looking in when the squad is announced. The selectors are likely to prioritize players who are fully fit and can contribute throughout the tournament, making Shami’s path to the Champions Trophy a challenging one. His recovery and subsequent form will be key factors in determining his inclusion in the final squad.