Surprise Entry in India’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
India is set to receive a major boost ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be included in the 15-member squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee is scheduled to finalize the Indian team soon, with captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar set to announce the squad in a media briefing.
According to India Today, Bumrah, who has been recovering from a back injury sustained during the last Test match against Australia in Sydney, is likely to be part of the squad. His participation in the tournament, however, will depend on his fitness levels. Reports suggest that selectors want him to play at least one match before the tournament to assess his readiness.
The uncertainty surrounding Bumrah's fitness has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks. Addressing rumors on social media, Bumrah dismissed the speculation about his injury, urging fans not to believe baseless reports.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is unlikely to make it to the ODI squad or the Champions Trophy lineup. Samson's absence from domestic tournaments, like the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), has reportedly disappointed selectors, given BCCI’s emphasis on players participating in domestic cricket to secure national selection. However, Samson is expected to feature in the T20 series against England.
A surprising name being considered for the squad is Karun Nair, who has delivered a stellar performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Nair amassed 752 runs in eight matches, including five centuries in seven innings, making a strong case for his inclusion. However, selectors are reportedly hesitant to recall Nair, who last represented India in 2017, for a major tournament.
According to India Today, Bumrah, who has been recovering from a back injury sustained during the last Test match against Australia in Sydney, is likely to be part of the squad. His participation in the tournament, however, will depend on his fitness levels. Reports suggest that selectors want him to play at least one match before the tournament to assess his readiness.
The uncertainty surrounding Bumrah's fitness has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks. Addressing rumors on social media, Bumrah dismissed the speculation about his injury, urging fans not to believe baseless reports.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is unlikely to make it to the ODI squad or the Champions Trophy lineup. Samson's absence from domestic tournaments, like the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), has reportedly disappointed selectors, given BCCI’s emphasis on players participating in domestic cricket to secure national selection. However, Samson is expected to feature in the T20 series against England.
A surprising name being considered for the squad is Karun Nair, who has delivered a stellar performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Nair amassed 752 runs in eight matches, including five centuries in seven innings, making a strong case for his inclusion. However, selectors are reportedly hesitant to recall Nair, who last represented India in 2017, for a major tournament.