Team India captain Rohit Sharma explained that Yashasvi Jaiswal was included in the 15-member Champions Trophy squad based on his potential. He acknowledged that some players were unfortunate to miss out but emphasized that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy on Saturday, January 18, alongside skipper Rohit. While Rohit and Shubman Gill were named as the primary openers, Jaiswal, yet to make his ODI debut, was selected as the third opening option.
During a press conference following the squad announcement, Rohit elaborated on the decision to include Jaiswal in the team, stating (as quoted by the ICC):
“We picked Jaiswal on the basis of what he has shown in the last few months despite not playing ODI cricket. He has been picked on potential and sometimes you have to do that.”
“In that, some players will miss out, it’s very unlucky but you can’t please everyone. You try and make the best team to win games in different situations and I feel with these guys you can have that,” the 37-year-old went on to add.
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Despite a poor Test tour of Australia, Gill’s ODI spot was secure, and he remains the team’s vice-captain. Chief selector Agarkar explained the decision:
“Shubman was vice captain in Sri Lanka anyway, I wouldn’t read too much into it. A lot of the feedback comes from the dressing room. You also want to keep your options open. One of the challenges is that not many are leading their state teams nowadays, but you are always on the lookout for anyone who has got some leadership qualities.”
Overview of India’s 2025 Champions Trophy Squad
India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad had few surprises. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant kept their spots, leaving no room for Karun Nair despite his stellar Vijay Hazare Trophy performance.
The team included four all-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja. Among the pacers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Arshdeep Singh made the cut, while Mohammed Siraj missed out.
India’s Champions Trophy squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja
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