India Champions Trophy Squad Announcement: Karun Nair snubbed, question remains over Bumrah fitness

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Team India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya may have been away from ODI action since the 2023 World Cup, but there is little doubt that he would be back for the Champions Trophy. Hardik participated in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he bowled 20 overs across three matches, proving his bowling fitness. Additionally, he had an excellent outing at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, too.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: India will begin their campaign in the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh on February 20, and will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on 23. The side will have a six-day gap before they take on New Zealand in their final group game. All of India's matches, including the knock-outs – should they proceed – will take place in Dubai.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Varun Chakaravarthy made a return to the Indian T20I team last year during the T20Is against Bangladesh and South Africa, and produced impressive performances. Chakaravarthy has also retained his place for the upcoming five T20Is against England; the question, however, is if the ‘mystery spinner’ will receive the selector and captain's backing for the fifty-over format.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Unlike Rohit, who had a strong outing in the Sri Lanka ODIs, Kohli struggled to make a mark in the return to the format last year. The 36-year-old failed to score a single half-century throughout the series, which was followed by struggles in the longest format, too. The former Indian captain will be hoping to get back his run-scoring prowess in time for the Champions Trophy, and the ODIs against England provide a perfect opportunity to make a mark.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Rohit joined the Mumbai training camp in a bid to rediscover his form following sharp criticism over his performances. On Friday, the Indian captain also shared a video of him playing under floodlights with the white ball at Wankhede Stadium.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Rohit Sharma came under intense scrutiny after a series of poor outings. In six Test innings against New Zealand, he managed just 91 runs at an average of 15.16. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy only amplified his struggles, where his average dropped further to 6.20 in five innings. With his captaincy also questioned during India’s 3-0 home whitewash against New Zealand, the pressure has mounted on the veteran batter to regain his footing.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: There is no doubt that Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian team in the Champions Trophy. However, his batting form has been a concern for many months. While Rohit did score two half-centuries in India's last ODI series, it has been over four months since then; during this time, he only played Tests and failed to make a mark across all three series (against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia). Owing to his struggles, he chose to sideline himself from the final Test of the series against Australia in Sydney.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: India legend Sachin Tendulkar joined the growing chorus of voices praising Karun Nair after his phenomenal run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tendulkar praised Nair’s extraordinary performance. Tendulkar’s message read, “Performances like these don’t just happen, they come from immense focus and hard work. Keep going strong and make every opportunity count!”

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Kuldeep underwent rehab at the NCA while India took on Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy over the past two months. Whether the selectors believe that it would be risky to rush Kuldeep into making a comeback is debatable. Kuldeep isn't part of India's T20I squad for the England series, and it will be interesting to see if he gets a place in the ODIs.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Kuldeep Yadav was a standout performer in India’s journey to the 2023 World Cup final, playing a pivotal role alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. His ability to deceive batters and pick wickets in crunch situations made him a vital cog in India’s unbeaten run during the league stage. The chinaman spinner had been away from action due to injury, but earlier this week, he returned to nets, providing signs that he's ready for a comeback.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Sanju Samson has been a part of India's limited-over sides over the past many years, and has performed brilliantly in the T20Is following the World Cup in 2024. However, his absence in the Vijay Hazare Trophy hasn't sit down well with the BCCI, according to a PTI report. Samson didn't appear for Kerala in the tournament, which could be the reason his name won't be considered for the 15-member squad.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: India’s pool of wicketkeeping options includes not just KL Rahul but also Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and the promising Dhruv Jurel. But it is likely that the selectors will put their faith in Pant, given he has been in action throughout the past few months across other formats, and also returned to ODIs during the series against Sri Lanka. Additionally, the selectors are less likely to take a punt on Jurel, who is yet to make his debut in the format.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: There has been a lengthy debate on the two wicketkeeping slots in the Indian squad for the tournament. Based on his form and crucial role in the 2023 World Cup, KL Rahul appears to be the frontrunner. His ability to anchor the middle order was instrumental in India’s road to the final, and his adaptability to play in various positions – and play different roles – makes him a valuable asset

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: It is possible that the selectors provide Yashasvi Jaiswal with a maiden ODI call-up during the three-match series against England, but trust the already established batting order for the ICC tournament. Nevertheless, it strongly seems Jaiswal certainly remains in BCCI's scheme of things across all three formats.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: With stellar form in domestic cricket, Karun Nair is banging the doors for a return to international cricket. Should the selectors put their faith in the domestic stalwart in the fifty-over tournament?

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form has sparked calls for his inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy squad. The 23-year-old, known for his aggressive style and ability to offer a left-hand option at the top, has become a compelling candidate for the marquee ICC event. However, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer already locked in as India’s top four, Jaiswal – if picked – will likely be a back-up for the opening spot.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness still uncertain, Shami’s inclusion in the T20I series against England offers him a crucial opportunity to regain rhythm ahead of the Champions Trophy. Shami showcased his readiness in domestic tournaments, but will the selectors trust the pace bowler enough to slot him in for an ICC tournament straightaway?

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Shami's return to India’s T20I squad for the series against England marks the end of a challenging 14-month wait for the bowler. Shami, who last played for India in the ODI World Cup final on November 2023, was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. However, an ankle surgery followed by recurring knee swelling delayed his comeback. In the ongoing domestic season, Shami proved his readiness by playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal, where he bowled 26 overs across three games, including his full quota in the pre-quarterfinals.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: It is expected that Bumrah will be named in the 15-member squad, albeit with an asterisk after his name, denoting his inclusion is subject to fitness. However, if Bumrah isn't fit in time for the start of the tournament, who will BCCI turn to? Luckily, Mohammed Shami's arrival is opportune. The question, though, is if he is ready for ODI or not.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Jasprit Bumrah's absence will be a big blow for India as it will chase a second-successive ICC title, following the T20 World Cup last year. Bumrah played a key role in India's triumph in that tournament, conceding at marginally above 4 runs/over. Bumrah was also key for the side in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, picking 32 wickets before an unfortunate back spasm injury ruled him out from bowling on the final day of the Sydney Test.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has become the center of attention ahead of the Champions Trophy squad selection. Bumrah’s fitness is under scrutiny following a bout of back spasms during the Sydney Test against Australia, where he refrained from bowling on the final day.

Currently undergoing a phase of “off-loading” at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, the ace pacer’s recovery is being meticulously monitored by the board’s medical team.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: While a place in the Champions Trophy squad looks difficult due to peak competition for spots, Karun Nair's name is likely to be discussed when the selectors finalise the squad for the three-match ODI series against England. The selectors may view Nair as a backup option or an addition to the squad, especially considering his ability to adapt to pressure situations.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Despite Karun Nair’s incredible form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, breaking into Team India’s already congested middle order might prove to be a herculean task.

The Indian ODI middle order boasts stalwarts and match-winners, including the versatile all-rounder Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and the in-form Shreyas Iyer whose inclusion adds balance to the team. With Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson also firmly in contention, Nair faces a stiff competition for a spot.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Karun Nair has been in the form of his life in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, averaging a jaw-dropping 752 in seven matches so far. His stellar performances include five centuries, making him one of the standout players of the tournament.

Nair’s remarkable consistency has reignited discussions about his potential return to the national setup. His performances played a key role in Vidarbha reaching the final, as they take on Karnataka later today.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement LIVE: Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the announcement for India's Champions Trophy squad! BCCI's chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, will hold a press conference at 12:30 PM later today to announce the 15-member squad who will aim at reclaiming the Champions Trophy title in Dubai from next month.