Following a humiliating defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Team India has turned its attention to the upcoming white-ball series against England and more importantly, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Reports suggest that veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is likely to be included in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy.
Shami, who has been out of international cricket for over a year, is gearing up for a comeback. His last appearance for India was during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 27 dismissals. Unfortunately, he missed the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to knee injury.
Recently, Shami made a strong return to domestic cricket, representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy delivering impressive performances with both bat and ball. With Jasprit Bumrah sustaining an injury during the last match of Border- Gavaskar Trophy, Shami’s return is vital for India’s pace attack, especially with the Champions Trophy just around the corner.
The ICC has mandated that all participating teams submit their provisional squads by Sunday, January 12. While England has already announced its squad, fans eagerly await updates from other teams, including India.
India is scheduled to play several limited-overs matches before finalizing its Champions Trophy squad. The BCCI is expected to announce the squad for both the England series and the tournament ahead of the January 12 deadline.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19, with matches to be hosted in Pakistan and Dubai. India’s games will be played exclusively in Dubai due to political tensions. India is placed in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, as India will aim to secure a spot in the final, which will take place on March 9 in Dubai (if India qualifies) or Lahore.
Pakistan, the defending champions, won the last edition in 2017 by defeating India under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy. With the tournament just a month away, India will look to finalise a strong side and clinch the trophy.
