India Gears Up for the 2025 Champions Trophy: A Look at Their Preparation

With the ICC Champions Trophy fast approaching, India faces a different challenge this time around compared to the 2023 World Cup buildup. In the lead-up to the World Cup at home, India played 30 ODIs to perfect their balance and combination. In contrast, their preparation for the Champions Trophy in 2025 has been quite different, with fewer matches played and more focus on the Test format.

India’s ODI Challenges: Fewer Matches, Bigger Gaps

Since losing to Australia in November 2023, India has played just nine ODIs – the fewest of all the teams competing in the upcoming tournament. In fact, only Ireland has played fewer. Over the last 12 months, India has played only six ODIs—three against Sri Lanka and three against England this month. While India had little trouble defeating England, their series streak against Sri Lanka was broken, adding more uncertainty to their preparations.

With so few ODIs to rely on, selecting the right playing XI has proven tricky for the team management. In their recent clash against England, Harshit Rana was preferred over Arshdeep Singh despite the latter’s inclusion in the squad. This move comes in the wake of Jasprit Bumrah’s injury, which has been a huge setback for India.

Missing Bumrah: A Key Absence

Bumrah’s absence is a major concern for India heading into the Champions Trophy. Shikhar Dhawan, a 2013 Champions Trophy winner, emphasized just how big of a loss Bumrah is. According to Dhawan, Bumrah’s accuracy and calm demeanor in big tournaments like this are hard to replicate. His impact on India’s bowling attack was highlighted by his stellar performances, including his role in the T20 World Cup and Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

To fill this void, India has turned to Mohammad Shami, the highest wicket-taker from the ODI World Cup. After an extended break due to injuries, Shami made his return to India’s playing XI in January, and although his recent performances have been modest, his fitness has been promising. Whether he will replace Bumrah or not remains uncertain, with Harshit Rana also pushing for a spot in the lineup after his impressive performances against England.

Young Talent Stepping Up

Harshit Rana has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the Indian squad. Dhawan predicted that the 23-year-old could have a “breakout tournament.” Rana’s confidence and form, evident in his performances in the T20Is and ODIs against England, have made him a strong contender to play a key role in the Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, India’s batting lineup looks in solid shape. After struggles in the Test series against New Zealand and Australia, India’s top-order batsmen—Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli—have all found their rhythm again. Gill’s century in Ahmedabad and Shreyas Iyer’s consistent form have helped reduce the reliance on senior players. Rohit Sharma’s form has also been encouraging, as he scored 119 runs in the recent ODI series, despite a couple of low scores.

A Well-Balanced Team

The presence of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and KL Rahul down the order gives India the depth they need to post big totals. With such a well-rounded squad, India looks set to challenge for the Champions Trophy title, even with the challenges posed by Bumrah’s injury and limited ODI practice.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:

• India vs Bangladesh: February 20, Dubai
• India vs Pakistan: February 23, Dubai
• India vs New Zealand: March 2, Dubai

India’s Champions Trophy Squad:

• Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy

Looking Ahead

As India prepares for the Champions Trophy in 2025, there are many questions to answer, but also a great deal of potential. Can they rise above the challenges and claim another ICC title? Only time will tell, but with a solid batting lineup, talented young players, and experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India remains one of the top contenders.

Do you think India can overcome their injury concerns and make a strong run in the Champions Trophy? Share your thoughts and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on the tournament!