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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India Schedule, Full Squad, dates and fixture and more!

By Rahul Chaube Published: January 19, 2025 8:13 AM IST• 5 Min Read
India’s 15-man squad, led by Rohit Sharma, begins its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign in Dubai, facing Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Key players include Bumrah, Kuldeep, and Kohli.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are buzzing with excitement. The BCCI announced the Indian squad on January 18. Led by the experienced Rohit Sharma, the team’s journey begins in Dubai, where all their group-stage matches will be played.

For Indian fans, the stakes are high as the Men in Blue prepare to make a mark on the global stage. India’s campaign starts with a clash against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a Sunday showdown bound to attract millions of viewers.

With the tournament adopting a hybrid model, the Indian squad, selected with a mix of youth and experience, is raring to go. Adding to the intrigue, several players are returning from injuries, raising questions about their fitness and form.

Jasprit Bumrah, one of the world’s most feared pacers, is under the spotlight, recovering from a stress-related injury. Kuldeep Yadav, the team’s wrist-spinning maestro, also makes a comeback post-surgery, and their readiness could be a game-changer.

A Closer Look at India’s Squad

The 15-man squad combines seasoned stars and emerging talent. Vice-captain Shubman Gill and skipper Rohit Sharma would lead the charge at the top, and Yashasvi Jaiswal might wait in the wings as the reserve opener.

The middle-order sees familiar faces like Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, while all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel add depth and balance. Notably, Rishabh Pant returns as a wicketkeeping option, with Washington Sundar offering versatility with both bat and ball.

India’s bowling attack is spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, fresh from his impressive World Cup campaign, and Arshdeep Singh, who has been rewarded for his consistent domestic performances. However, the team’s reliance on Bumrah’s fitness and Kuldeep’s return to form remains a pivotal aspect of their strategy. Harshit Rana is in the setup as Bumrah’s backup, ready to step in if needed during the pre-tournament ODIs against England.

India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy: 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

India Fixtures and Tournament Format 

India is placed in Group A, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The group stages promise intense competition, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals. The format ensures every match is crucial, especially given the high-stakes encounter against Pakistan, a fixture that never fails to electrify the cricketing world.

With the tournament’s knockout games scheduled in neutral venues, India’s progress could see them playing semi-finals and finals in the UAE, depending on their performance.

The tournament’s hybrid hosting model adds a layer of complexity. While India plays exclusively in Dubai due to political tensions, other Group A matches are spread across Pakistan. This unique arrangement, finalized between the ICC and cricket boards, ensures that all matches remain accessible to global audiences while respecting geopolitical sensitivities.

India’s campaign starts with a clash against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the highly anticipated encounter against Pakistan on February 23, a Sunday showdown bound to attract millions of viewers. Their final league match will see them face New Zealand on March 2, concluding the group stage with high drama.

With defending champions Pakistan kicking off the tournament on February 19 against New Zealand, the Champions Trophy promises high-octane cricket. Group B, featuring heavyweights like Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan, also offers nail-biting contests. The semi-finals and final, scheduled for early March, are expected to be fiercely competitive, with India aiming to lift the trophy after a hiatus of over a decade.

DateMatchVenueTime
20 FebruaryIndia vs BangladeshDubai International Cricket Stadium02:30 PM IST
23 FebruaryIndia vs PakistanDubai International Cricket Stadium02:30 PM IST
02 MarchIndia vs New ZealandDubai International Cricket Stadium02:30 PM IST

India’s Preparations: ODIs Against England

Ahead of the Champions Trophy, India will face England in three ODIs on February 6, 9, and 12. These matches are critical for testing the squad’s readiness, particularly for players returning from injuries. Bumrah, Kuldeep, and others will use this series to regain match fitness and rhythm. Moreover, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ODI debut will be closely watched as he looks to establish himself as a dependable opener for the future.

The Men in Blue have the talent, experience, and hunger to reclaim the Champions Trophy. Their journey begins in February, and cricket fans worldwide will eagerly follow every moment as India takes on the world in their quest for glory.

Will they emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the excitement is unparalleled!

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