The Men's National Cricket Team of the West Indies, under the captaincy of Kraigg Brathwaite are going to travel to Pakistan in order to take part in a two-match Test-Series with the opening encounter set to be played in the city of Multan from the 17th of January onwards while the second and the final one will also be played the same stadium and it will commence from the 25th of January onwards. 
The selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced a 15-player squad of the National Team a few days ago for the West Indies Test-Series and seven players, who were included in the squad for the tour of South Africa have not been picked in the forthcoming series versus the Windies. 
25-year-old Abdullah Shafique, who was picked as an opening batter versus the Proteas, is not a part of the squad versus the Kraigg Brathwaite-led team due to his poor form with the bat while, explosive opening batter Saim Ayub misses out due to an ankle injury. 
Also read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shakib-al-hasan-s-bowling-ban-set-to-continue-after-failing-in-reassessment-test-setback-for-bangladesh/" title="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shakib-al-hasan-s-bowling-ban-set-to-continue-after-failing-in-reassessment-test-setback-for-bangladesh/">Shakib Al Hasan's bowling ban set to continue after failing in reassessment test</a>
The PCB Selection Committee have instead decided to include experienced batter Imam-ul-haq and 22-year-old Mohammad Huraira in the team for the West Indies Series. Imam hasn't played Test Cricket for the Shaheens since being dropped in 2023 after the end of Pakistan's tour of Australia and this recall versus the Windies gives him a good opportunity to reclaim his spot in the team. 
Huraira on the other hand, was a part of the team for the England Test-Series but he didn't get a chance to feature in any game. He has taken part in 44 first class games and has eight fifties next to his name.
Now, the question which arises in the current situation is, who will come out to open the inning for the Green Shirts versus the Kraigg Brathwaite-led West Indies? 
In the 2nd Test-Match versus the Temba Bavuma-led South Africa in New Lands, following the injury of Ayub, former skipper Babar Azam came out to open the inning alongside skipper Shan Masood in both the innings of the encounter. In the 2nd inning, with the visitors trailing by 421 runs, the duo of Azam &amp; Masood sitched a solid partnership of 205 runs for the first wicket. 
It's now being reported that the team management of Pakistan has decided that Babar will not be the opener in the Test-Series versus the Windies. The 30-year-old had played good knocks of 58 runs and 81 runs in both the innings of the Cape Town Test-Match and this call of not making him open is a surprising one. 
In the two-match Test-Series versus South Africa, Babar scored a total of 193 runs in four innings with three fifties next to his name. In 57 Test-Matches, the elite batter has managed to amass a total of 4,190 runs in 104 innings at a decent average of 44.10, with the help of nine hundreds &amp; 29 half-centuries. 
It's looking highly likely that the former captain will be coming out to bat at number three in the batting in the upcoming Test-Series versus the Kraigg Brathwaite-led team. In 21 test-innings at the number three spot, he has scored 564 runs at a not so impressive average of 29.68.
Do Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-no-more-skipping-bilateral-series-bcci-set-to-take-action-against-seniors-who-take-unnecessary-rest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> "No more skipping Bilateral series" - BCCI set to take action against seniors who take unnecessary rest</a>

Babar Azam had a good run with the bat in the Test-Series versus South Africa | Image: AFP

Babar Azam who performed well as opener in the recently concluded Test-Series versus South Africa is set to be demoted to the number 3 position versus the West Indies

Babar Azam set to be handed a demotion in the batting order

Pakistan vs West Indies: Babar Azam to not open the inning versus the Windies, to bat at number 3

pakistan-vs-west-indies-babar-azam-to-not-open-the-inning-versus-the-windies-to-bat-at-number-3

India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might not be playing for long in Indian colours. As per the reports in India Today, it is learned that fate of the both the stalwarts will depend on how they will perform in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played next month. 
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been under massive scanner for their poor performances of late. The duo, who carried the batting lineup of the team, are at the fag end of their career, and it's fair to say that runs are not coming for them, which has put them under the pump. 
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed in the entire Test season at home and, after that, failed to get going in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, this has put their career in white-ball cricket under the scanner as well, with youngsters consistently getting runs. 
The poor of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was discussed during the review meeting of the BCCI. It was learned that officials looked at why the batters were struggling to get going, especially with some quality players in the ranks. 
<h2>Everything depends on their performance in the Champions Trophy - BCCI source on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli</h2>
The focus was on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as well. The reports claimed that a new captaincy option is being discussed after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is learned that if the results don't go their way then there will be massive changes in the team.
On Virat Kohli, it is learned that the batter needs to score runs, and if he fails to perform in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, then only there will be harsh calls. 
"As of now, nothing will happen, but the management is considering captaincy changes going forward after the Champions Trophy. If things do not change, steps may be taken regarding captaincy. 
"As far as Virat is concerned, he also needs to show some runs, but I don’t see either of them being removed from the Test team as we speak. Everything depends on their performance in the Champions Trophy," a source told India today. 
If the reports are to be believed, then the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a massive tournament for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both the players will be keen to make an impact, and if that doesn't happen, then we might see a new era in Indian cricket.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-unlucky-stars-who-are-dropped-from-the-squad-for-england-t20is-one-is-the-ipl-captain/"> 3 Unlucky stars who are dropped from the squad for England T20Is; one is the IPL captain</a>

India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might not be playing for long in Indian colours

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future very dull; both to get one final chance to prove themselves

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Fierce-Rivals India (IND) and England (ENG) are set to take on each other in a five-match T20 International series which will begin from the 22nd of January. The opening match of this series will be played at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced Team India's squad for the series and majority of the key players have picked in the team. 
Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian team selectors will be keeping an eye on the performance of certain players, one of whom is Fast Bowling All-Rounder Hardik Pandya, who performed exceptionally well in the shortest format of the game in 2024. The 31-year-old has a phenomenal record versus England in T20 Internationals with both bat &amp; ball and he will get a big opportunity to create a massive record in the forthcoming five-match T20 International series.
<h2>Junior Pandya needs to take just three more wickets to break this record</h2>
At present, the record for the highest number of wickets taken by an Indian in T20 Internationals versus England is held by leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. He has dismissed 16 batters in 11 T20 matches versus the Three Lions at an average of 21.12. While Yuzi is not a part of the squad for the forthcoming series, Hardik is going to play and he has a chance to script history. 
In 15 T20i matches versus the Englishmen, the 31-year-old has 14 scalps next to his name with an average of 25.42. In such a situation, if Pandya manages to dismiss three more English batters in the upcoming five-match series, then he will become the highest wicket-taker for Team India in the shortest format of the game versus England.
<h2>Hardik Pandya's performance has been really good in T20 International matches</h2>
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Hardik is currently regarded as one of the best fast-bowling All Rounders in T20 Cricket. He has taken part in 109 T20i encounters so far and has amassed 1,700 runs at a decent average of 27.87, in which he has also hit four fifties at a really good strike-rate of 141.90.
With the ball, the Mumbai Indians skipper has dismissed a total of 89 batters with an economy rate of 8.17 and an average of 26.62. His best-figures with the ball currently stand at 4/16. 
The BCCI recently unveiled the Men in Blue's squad for the T20 International serias versus England and while Pandya is a part of the squad, he's no longer the vice-captain of the team and that responsibility has been handed over to Axar Patel.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/new-zealand-squad-for-icc-champions-trophy-announced-williamson-returns-as-santner-set-to-lead-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy Announced; Williamson Returns as Santner Set to Lead!</a>

Hardik Pandya of India catches the ball | Image: Getty Images

Hardik Pandya has a massive opportunity to script history in the upcoming five-match T20 International series versus England

Hardik Pandya has massive chance of rewriting history in the T20I series versus England

Hardik Pandya has a chance to script history, on the verge of breaking this record versus England

hardik-pandya-has-a-chance-to-script-history-on-the-verge-of-breaking-this-record-versus-england

The review meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took place on Saturday (12th January), and it saw some harsh discussions taking place with BCCI President Roger Binny and other officials, Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar at the helm of things. 
As per the reports in Hindustan Times, it is learned that one of the major topics of the review meeting was the coaching staff of the Gautam Gambhir. This comes after the poor performances of the team in the Tests and the ODIs of late under the new coaching staff. 
Gautam Gambhir has been under the massive scanner ever since he was appointed as the head coach, but nothing has gone in India's way. The coach reportedly was grilled during the review meeting and his coaching staff came under scanner as well. 
<h2>BCCI is unhappy with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate being the assistant coaches</h2>
BCCI is unhappy with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate being the assistant coaches. They are of the opinion that the duo lacks coaching expertise, especially in Test cricket. The source added that there are chances that more experienced coaching staff might come into place before England Tests. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he explained: 
"Except bowling coach Morne Morkel, who comes with a body of work as a Test player, there is a growing opinion within the team set-up that assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate are lacking in coaching expertise, particularly when it comes Test cricket.There is a possibility of more reinforcements in the coaching staff, those with technical expertise for the tour of England." 
The BCCI reportedly will be taking action after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If the result doesn't go their way some of the massive steps will be taken in Indian cricket. With all the tides against him, Gautam Gambhir will now be hoping to silence all the critics and reply in style. 
It remains to be seen how the Indian team will be fair in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If the results don't go their way then there are chances that Gautam Gambhir might be sacked as a coach. India, in the recent past, has lost the ODI series to Sri Lanka, the Tests against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-unlucky-stars-who-are-dropped-from-the-squad-for-england-t20is-one-is-the-ipl-captain/"> 3 Unlucky stars who are dropped from the squad for England T20Is; one is the IPL captain</a>

Gautam Gambhir has been under the massive scanner ever since he was appointed as the head coach,

Gautam Gambhir's coaching staff set to be sacked? BCCI to take major call ahead of England Tests

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In what has been a massive development, as per the reports in Times of India, it is learned that skipper Rohit Sharma had decided to retire after the Melbourne Cricket Ground Test. But 'well-wishers' urged the captain of the team not to go with the decision. 
Rohit Sharma joined the Indian team in Australia after the Perth Test as he missed the first game due to the birth of his second child. However, his return didn't go as he would've wanted as he failed badly in the rest of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. 
Rohit Sharma batted in middle order in Adelaide and Gabba but he failed in both the games. However, after that, he decided to go up the order and that too didn't work as he failed in both innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
<h2>Had his well-wishers from the outside didn't force him to change his mind, we could have well seen another retirement in Australia - Source on Rohit Sharma </h2>
With things not going well for him as a captain as well as the batter, Rohit Sharma had decided to retire, but well-wishers from the outside forced him to change the decision. The India captain, however, changed his mind, and hence, instead of retiring, he dropped himself. 
"Rohit had made up his mind after MCG. Had his well-wishers from the outside didn't force him to change his mind, we could have well seen another retirement in Australia," said a source aware of developments. 
Rohit Sharma had also conveyed to Gautam Gambhir about the decision to retire as well. However, the change in mind didn't go well with the head coach. The reports added that the things between the coach and the captain weren't good as they weren't on the same page in most of the decisions. 
The duo of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir will be back in action together in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It remains to be seen how they will fare together as the India Team has come under massive scanner for their poor performances of late.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rohit-sharma-reaches-mumbai-bcci-to-ask-tough-questions-to-gautam-gambhir-in-review-meeting-fate-of-virat-kohli-decided-/">Rohit Sharma reaches Mumbai, BCCI to ask tough questions to Gautam Gambhir in review meeting, fate of Virat Kohli decided</a>

In what has been a massive development, as per the reports in Times of India, it is learned that skipper Rohit Sharma had decided to retire after the Melbourne Cricket Ground Test

Gautam Gambhir upset with Rohit Sharma not retiring after the captain decided to hang up boost after the MCG Test

gautam-gambhir-upset-with-rohit-sharma-not-retiring-after-the-captain-decided-to-hang-up-boost-after-the-mcg-test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday (11th January) announced the Indian squad for the T20I series against England as per the reports in Indian Express. The two teams will be locking horns with each other in the five-match T20I series, starting 21st January 
Mohammed Shami will be making his return for India in the T20I series against England. It will be the first appearance for him in the Indian colours after the ICC World Cup 2023, and this will be a massive boost for the team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
Another major development in the squad is Rishabh Pant has been dropped from the team as India went with Sanju Samson as the first-choice keeper. The right-hander has been sensational for the team with the bat in T20Is. As a second keeper, Dhruv Jurel has got the nod ahead. 
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, too, has been named in the Indian team for the T20I series against England. All-rounder Shivam Dube has been dropped from the team along with Ramandeep Singh, who was part of the squad for the T20I series against South Africa. 
Abhishek Sharma is also among the notable omissions from the squad. This is because young opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal has been added to the team. All-rounder Riyan Parag has been recovering from the injury and hence didn't get picked in the team for the five-match series against England 
Pace bowler Harshit Rana, too, has been named in the Indian team for the England series and will be partnered by Arshdeep Singh. Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar are the spinners. 
India T20 squad for the series against England 
Here's the Indian T20 squad for the series against England 
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Mohd Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rohit-sharma-reaches-mumbai-bcci-to-ask-tough-questions-to-gautam-gambhir-in-review-meeting-fate-of-virat-kohli-decided-/">Rohit Sharma reaches Mumbai, BCCI to ask tough questions to Gautam Gambhir in review meeting, fate of Virat Kohli decided</a>

Mohammed Shami will be making his return for India in the T20I series against England.

India's squad for the T20I series against England announced Mohammed Shami returns, Rishabh Pant dropped

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to take a review meeting related to Team India's poor performances in Test and ODI cricket of late. The reports in Danik Jagron have revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir, skipper Rohit Sharma and selector Ajit Agarkar will be questioned. 
The BCCI reportedly is unhappy with the India team's ODI series loss against Sri Lanka, home Test series loss against New Zealand and the poor performances in the ICC World Test Championship.  Hence, the captain and coach will be at the helm of tough questions. 
BCCI President Roger Binny, Vice President Rajiv Shukla, Interim Secretary Devjit Saikia and other officials will be there at the meeting. As per the reports, no harsh decision like sacking will be taking place but questions will be raised over the selection of the team and some other decisions. 
Gautam Gambhir is all set to be grilled as some of his decisions during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, like picking two spinners in Sydney, Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement mid-series and also some of the dressing rooms leaks, will be discussed. Along with him Ajit Agarkar too will be facing questions related to selections. 
<h2>Gautam Gambhir and his support staff will continue in the role as the BCCI doesn't want to make changes with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
Gautam Gambhir and his support staff will continue in the role as the BCCI doesn't want to make changes with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner. Along with the review of the team's poor performance, the selection discussions will also be taking place. 
The reports also added that there is no threat over the place of  Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs. But their future in Tests will be discussed. However, immediately, any decision won't be taken as the prime focus will be on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
India, under Gautam Gambhir, has been having a hard time. They faced a 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home, then suffered a 3-1 loss against Australia, which saw them getting eliminated from the race to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship. Also, in ODIs, they lost to Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years. 
The India captain Rohit Sharma has arrived in Mumbai as well. The meeting will soon get underway. It remains to be seen what will be the future of the team.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ravindra-jadeja-announces-test-retirement-all-rounder-shares-a-cryptic-post-on-social-media-left-fans-guessing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ravindra Jadeja announces Test Retirement? All-rounder shares a cryptic post on social media, left fans guessing</a>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to take a review meeting related to Team India's poor performances in Test and ODI cricket of late

Rohit Sharma reaches Mumbai, BCCI to ask tough questions to Gautam Gambhir in review meeting, fate of Virat Kohli decided

rohit-sharma-reaches-mumbai-bcci-to-ask-tough-questions-to-gautam-gambhir-in-review-meeting-fate-of-virat-kohli-decided-

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: As the days go by, the buzz around speculations and predictions continues to intensify. For Team India, squad predictions have become a hot topic of discussion, sparking debates everywhere—from cricket fanatics on social media to casual conversations on the streets. Amid this growing excitement, one key question stands out: who will don the wicketkeeping gloves for India in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
With numerous cricket experts and pundits making bold predictions about India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a common thread runs through most discussions: the inclusion of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson.
However, opinions are far from unanimous. While some former cricketers have opted to leave Rishabh Pant out of their squads, others argue for his inclusion at the expense of Sanju Samson, fueling a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Let's discuss all three options one by one:
<h2>KL Rahul Frontrunner to Keep Wickets?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677fef7181149.jpg" alt="">
KL Rahul has made a compelling case to be India’s primary wicketkeeping option in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised Rahul’s ability to deliver consistently under pressure, highlighting his crucial contributions at No. 5 and his knack for scoring vital runs when the team needed them most.
Rahul’s reliability behind the stumps was further cemented by his record-breaking performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. With 17 dismissals, including 16 catches and one stumping, he surpassed Rahul Dravid’s 2003 record for the most dismissals by an Indian wicketkeeper in a single World Cup edition.
These achievements underscore his dual efficiency with both the gloves and the bat, solidifying his place as a frontrunner for the role in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
<h2>Is Rishabh Pant Ready for ODI Format?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677ff4b385bc4.jpg" alt="">
Rishabh Pant has proven his mettle in the Test format, but his performances in white-ball cricket have been inconsistent, as highlighted by his ODI stats: 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.21. Despite his potential, these numbers suggest he lacks the maturity required for high-pressure limited-overs cricket.
However, Pant’s wicketkeeping skills set him apart. Among the three contenders, he is the most agile and reliable behind the stumps, with quick reflexes, sharp accuracy, and adaptability to various conditions. While his batting in ODIs needs improvement, his exceptional glove work makes him a strong contender for a spot in the squad.
<h2>Can Sanju's Form Secure Him a Spot?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677ff4b73d5fc.jpg" alt="">
Sanju Samson’s impressive ODI stats—510 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60—underscore his potential as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter. His ability to capitalize on limited opportunities, including a century and three fifties, makes him a strong contender for the squad.
Sanjay Bangar also stated, “You have to give a place to Sanju Samson because he averages above 50 in ODI cricket. Add to that, he is a man in form as well.”
When compared to Rishabh Pant, Samson’s batting stats are significantly better, highlighting his consistency in white-ball cricket. Moreover, Samson’s wicketkeeping skills are nearly on par with Pant’s, making him a well-rounded option. His current form further solidifies his chances of overtaking Pant in the race for the role.
<h2> Who Will Keep Wickets?</h2>
KL Rahul, with his record-breaking wicketkeeping performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and consistent contributions as a batter, emerges as the frontrunner for India’s primary wicketkeeper role. Sanju Samson, backed by Sanjay Bangar for his stellar ODI average of 56.66 and solid form, is a strong contender for the backup spot.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s exceptional wicketkeeping skills and proven Test success make him a valuable asset, though his inconsistent white-ball batting leaves room for improvement. Together, these options reflect India’s enviable depth in the wicketkeeping department heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
The weight is on KL Rahul to be the first-choice wicketkeeper. Shreyas Iyer is fit and actively playing cricket to provide a good balance in the team and in his presence, KL Rahul would be the best option. Sanju Samson would be a better batter and wicketkeeper in the backup if we take Stats into account. Rishabh Pant might have to wait for a while in the white ball cricket.

With KL Rahul’s consistency, Sanju Samson’s form, and Rishabh Pant’s agility, who should India trust as their wicketkeeper in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? The race is closer than ever.

India’s wicketkeeping dilemma: Rahul’s reliability, Samson’s form, or Pant’s agility? A tough decision awaits ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Who Will Keep Wickets for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, or KL Rahul?

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India keeper-batter Sanju Samson might be a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per the reports in India Today, it is learned that the right-hander is likely to be there as the backup keeper for Rishabh Pant in the team. 
The reports stated that Sanju Samson's inclusion in the Indian team will depend on how the BCCI treats Gautam Gambhir. It is learned that if the head coach has the same say in the selection matters that he had during the Australia tour, then the keeper-batter might be included in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
The India squad for the Australia tour was mostly picked on the recommendation of Gautam Gambhir. The head coach played a huge role in the selection of Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. But the team failing badly there didn't go any good to the head coach. 
Some reports claimed that head coach Gautam Gambhir won't be having a say in selection matters. However, if that isn't the case, then the reports in India Today say that the head coach's favourite, Sanju Samson, will be picked for the team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
 Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, and Sanju Samson will be serving as backup.
It is learned that Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, and Sanju Samson will be serving as backup. This will be a massive step for the Indian team going forward, as Samson has been in hot form in white-ball cricket, especially in T20 cricket. 
Sanju Samson has made a staggering return to the Indian T20I setup as he slammed three centuries in the two series that were played. The keeper-batter also has a great record in the ODIs as well as he has an average of over 56 in his short career and would want to cash on that as well. 
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to begin from 19th February. The Indian team for the tournament is all set to be announced soon, and it is learned that Rohit Sharma will be leading the team, which will see some of the expected names.

India keeper-batter Sanju Samson might be a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanju Samson to get nod ahead in Indian squad? Massive report comes on Gautam Gambhir's 'favourite'

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Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is all set to meet captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir along with the BCCI officials to do the post martom of of the team's poor outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The India team faced a 3-1 thrashing at the hands of Australia in a five-match series. 
Ajit Agarkar will be meeting Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir on Sunday, the same day when the BCCI will be appointing Devajit Saikia as the new BCCI secretary. While this is one development, other claims the captain Rohit and Gambhir will be at the receiving end of some harsh questions by the BCCI.
The reports claimed that there will be informal and formal meetings among selectors and all the issues will be addressed. This will also include India's poor performances in the Tests last year. India faced a 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand and then suffered a loss to Australia. 
Another issue that will be addressed by the BCCI will be the poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both the stalwarts of the Indian team failed badly in the entire Test season, and hence, discussions related to their future will be taking place as well among the board members and head coach. 
<h2>Ravichandran Ashwin's announcement of retirement during mid-tour will also be discussed - Reports</h2>
It is also learned that Ravichandran Ashwin's announcement of retirement during mid-tour will also be discussed, along with the rumours of things not good in the dressing room will be addressed as well. The source close to the developments told Hindustan Times: 
"The Australian tour, which immediately followed the 0-3 rout at home to New Zealand, was expected to decide the fate of many senior players. The 3-1 loss shut the door on India’s WTC final hopes, which is seen as a big setback. 
" Off-spinner R Ashwin’s mid-tour retirement and return home, murmurs of team discontent on tour, Rohit’s free fall in form that resulted in his sitting out the final Test at Sydney and the prolonged lean run of Virat Kohli has left Indian cricket faced with several searching questions. 
"All these are likely to be addressed in a number of formal and informal meetings among selectors and the administrators in the coming days." 
It remains to be seen what conclusion will come out once the BCCI officials meet. The next Test match of India will be played in June when the team will tour England. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-dynamic-opening-combinations-india-can-try-in-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Dynamic Opening Combinations India can try in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a>

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is all set to meet captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir along with the BCCI officials to do the post martom of of the team's poor outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir all set to be questioned by BCCI after debacle in Australia

rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-and-gautam-gambhir-all-set-to-be-questioned-by-bcci-after-debacle-in-australia-

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in India Today, it is learned that there is no certainty over the place of KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian squad for the tournament is all set to be announced next week. 
The reports claimed that KL Rahul might not make it into the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This is because his batting has been under the radar, especially after the poor innings that he played in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 against Australia, which the Indian team lost. 
KL Rahul was recently dropped from the Indian ODI XI during the series against Sri Lanka. As per the reports, it is learned that Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper-batter in the team, while Sanju Samson might get the nod as the second keeper in the team. 
<h2>Ravindra Jadeja hasn't impressed the BCCI selectors with his efforts with the bat and ball in the white-ball cricket. </h2>
On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja hasn't impressed the BCCI selectors with his efforts with the bat and ball in the white-ball cricket. Those in charge feel that Axar Patel is much more effective than Jadeja as the latter's batting hasn't been good since the last few times. 
Coming to Mohammed Shami, there is no clarity over the fitness of a fast bowler as of yet. However, if unfit, he won't be rushed into the team. He bowled 16 overs in the two games that be played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 and if he is deemed fit, he might be there. 
Shami has been out of action for a while. If the fast bowler achieves full fitness and will be there for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He played a huge role for the team in the ICC World Cup 2023 and would want to continue the same form in the upcoming tournament as well. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-s-squad-for-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025-finalised-/">India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 finalised</a>
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan and India will be playing their games in Dubai. The Rohit Sharma-led side will play their first game against Bangladesh on 20th February.

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in India Today, it is learned that there is no certainty over the place of KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025