ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Strengths and weaknesses of Team India
What's the story
Team India is all set for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hoping to win back-to-back titles. The team's T20 World Cup win last year should boost their confidence. But they also have the heartbreak of losing to Australia in the World Cup 2023 final. The Rohit Sharma-led side will play on familiar turf at Dubai International Stadium, which could give them an advantage over others. Here we analyse India's squad ahead of the tournament.
Strengths
Team India's batting prowess and all-rounder depth
India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy is a batting powerhouse, with names like Shubham Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant in the mix. The team's strength is further bolstered by the presence of a few all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel. Not only can they bowl their share of overs, but they can also change the course of matches with their batting.
Weaknesses
Recent struggles and pressure on key players
Despite their strengths, Team India has its own challenges. The batters are coming into the tournament after a disappointing Test tour to Australia, which could affect their confidence levels. Further, coach Gautam Gambhir along with seniors Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been criticized for recent underperformances. A strong performance in the Champions Trophy could help them regain their footing and prevent premature career endings.
Threats
Bumrah's injury and reliance on spinners pose challenges
Jasprit Bumrah's injury is a huge concern for India, as his absence could be a major setback. If he is unfit to play, the onus will be on Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami. The team also heavily relies on their spinners for the Champions Trophy. But heavy dew in the evening could make it tough for them to defend scores effectively. Moreover, lead spinner Kuldeep Yadav only recently made a comeback to international cricket after being sidelined from an injury.
Recovery
BCCI likely to wait on Bumrah's recovery
Bumrah is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Despite an upcoming ICC deadline for squad changes, the BCCI is likely to wait before making any replacement decisions. This is similar to their previous strategy with players like Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill. On a positive note, Mohammed Shami recently returned to action after a 14-month injury layoff and could lead India's pace attack if Bumrah doesn't recover in time.
Information
Here is India's squad for Champions Trophy 2025
India's squad for Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.