Rohit Sharma-led team India will face Bangladesh on February 20 to kick-start their Champions Trophy 2025 journey. The ninth edition of Champions Trophy holds great significance. Notably, after the 2017 edition, the Champions Trophy was discontinued to streamline ICC events, to make sure only one global tournament per cricket format.
However, in a surprising move, the ICC announced in 2021 that the Champions Trophy would return, with editions scheduled for 2025 in Pakistan and 2029 in India. If India decides against playing in Pakistan, they will also refrain from participating in ICC events across the border.
Moreover, it is said that this tournament could see several cricketers for the last time. As there’s a possibility that a stream of legendary players, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may announce their retirement from the ODI format similar to the T20.
Moving ahead, in this article we take a look at India in Champions Trophy, squad announcement, fixture, and player news.
India’s Journey in Champions Trophy Over the Years
Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the international cricket. Notably, India has had a remarkable journey in the competition over the years since its inception. Moreover, did you know that the first edition held in 1998 was named the ICC Knockout Tournament, but later the event was renamed as the Champions Trophy. During this period, the tournament became a highly anticipated part of the ICC calendar.
India’s journey in the coveted Champions Trophy began with a decent start in the initial editions. Under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly, the 2000 tournament saw India reach the final for the first time but fall short against New Zealand. Further, one of India’s most iconic victories came in 2002 when they shared the title with Sri Lanka after rain interrupted the final match in Colombo.
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MS Dhoni: The ICC Champions Trophy 2013
India’s most notable feat in the Champions Trophy was in 2013. Under the captaincy of iconic Indian former captain MS Dhoni, India won the most talked about Champions Trophy title, beating England. The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, with remarkable performances by Shikhar Dhawan and Ravindra Jadeja. In the final, India successfully defended a relatively low target in a thrilling encounter against England.
Safe to say, India’s journey in the elite tournament reflects its ability to evolve over the years to thrive on the global stage and provide fans and spectators with memorable performances and winning moments.
As Team India prepares for the upcoming tournament, let’s look in depth at India in Champions Trophy.
India in Champions Trophy: Squad Announcement, Fixture and Player News
BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to begin on February 20. Notably, the team will be led by captain Rohit Sharma, with Shubman Gill serving as the vice-captain.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising talents. Notably, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been included despite recent fears of back spasms that sidelined him during the final Test against Australia. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav also makes a return after recovering from a groin injury sustained in October. Additionally, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is back in the lineup after missing the recent T20 series against England.
Moreover, emerging talents Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, and Arshdeep Singh also made their place in India’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025.
India is placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The team’s campaign begins on February 20 against Bangladesh.
The full squad is as follows:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), 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 Schedule in Champions Trophy 2025
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, jointly hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, India will play all their group matches in Dubai due to political tensions preventing Indian team’s travel to Pakistan.
India's Group Stage Schedule:
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
All matches are set to begin at 1:00 PM local time (9:00 AM GMT).
Lastly, the whole cricket fraternity awaits the father of all rivalry, India vs Pakistan match which is set to take place on February 23. Moreover, considering the significance of this tournament, Rohit Sharma-led India will be hopeful to triumph in the Champions Trophy.