Team India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Shami’s Spot Dependent on Fitness

After much hype, here comes the schedule of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As reported earlier, this tournament will be played on the hybrid model, and the Indian team will play all the matches in Dubai, but most of the games are to be played in Pakistan. With the conditions, they need the perfect balance of pace and spin bowling. Though the BCCI is yet to announce its official squad, IPL.com takes a shot at predicting who might make the cut for India in the Champions Trophy 2025.

S.No	Player Name
1.	Rohit Sharma
2	Shubman Gill
3	Virat Kohli
4	Rishabh Pant
5	Shreyas Iyer
6	Nitish Reddy
7	KL Rahul
8	Hardik Pandya
9	Ravindra Jadeja
10	Axar Patel
11	Kuldeep Yadav
12	Mohammed Siraj
13	Jasprit Bumrah
14	Mohammed Shami
15	Arshdeep Singh

Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma: The Opening Duo

Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are automatic choices for India as openers in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit has been brilliant in ODIs, scoring 10,866 runs from 265 matches, averaging close to 50 and hitting 31 centuries. On the other hand, Shubman Gill has made a great start to his ODI career, scoring 2,328 runs in 47 matches with an average of 58.20.India would probably not require a backup opener, but in case of any emergency, KL Rahul could be an option because of his good ODI record.

Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer: The Middle-order Strength

Though the batting order for the Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be confirmed, Shreyas Iyer would surely get a place because of his outstanding domestic games. In the SMAT, Iyer scored 345 runs in 9 matches at an average of 49. Along with him, the experienced trio of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya are expected to be key players in the middle order. Kl Rahul can be fit anywhere into the lineup if needed.

Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Nitish Kumar Reddy: All-rounders in the Line-up

Hardik Pandya will once again be the main all-rounder in the playing XI of India for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also the strong contenders for a position. Nitish has also proved his capability on big stages by performing well in three Tests and three T20Is. He has scored 403 runs in 22 List A matches with a highest score of 60 and taken 14 wickets at an average of 36.

Jadeja may not be the first choice, but he still has plenty to offer. His recent fighting 50 against Australia in Brisbane proves that he still has the skills to perform at the highest level. Jadeja will surely make the cut for the Champions Trophy 2025 India squad.

Spin Department Well-Set

India's spin department looks well-covered for the Champions Trophy 2025. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav also seem to be in contention based on their current form. All three have the potential to control the game and keep the run rate in check when needed. Even though only two or three spinners will play at a time, all four are likely to be part of the squad.

Shami's Inclusion: Fitness Will Be the Decider

The biggest worry of Team India will be to get Mohammed Shami fit for the Champions Trophy 2025. If he gets fit then he would surely be available in the squad. Meanwhile, besides Shami, team management may think of promoting Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the seaming department; however, if Shami does not make it into the side before the actual event, the likes of Akash Deep might be rewarded with an opportunity. Having left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in the squad would also bring variety to India's attack for the tournament.