January 9, 2025

BCCI Selectors Set to Convene on January 11 to Finalize India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad: Report

The deadline for submitting the squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is set for January 12.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee is scheduled to convene on Saturday, January 11, to finalize the squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, according to The Hindustan Times. The official deadline for submitting the squad is Sunday, January 12.

An announcement regarding the team is expected later this week. However, the squad will be provisional, allowing for modifications until February 13 if needed.

This flexibility could prove invaluable for the BCCI, especially as the selectors and other stakeholders face mounting pressure to improve the team’s white-ball performance following disappointing Test results, including the recent 3-1 series defeat to Australia.

For instance, this approach allows better management of players like Jasprit Bumrah. While concerns loom large over Bumrah’s fitness after he suffered back spasms in Sydney last week, the selectors can include him in the provisional squad while keeping a backup ready in case the vice-captain is ultimately ruled out.

“Most likely, this time he felt a tightness in the upper back,” The Times of India quoted a former India pacer as saying on Wednesday. “The reports have gone to his surgeon, and we should have the final results very soon. My hunch is he will be part of the first squad that will be announced for the Champions Trophy. After all, you can have an injury replacement later.”

“Bumrah is a treasure, and he should be handled with care. A Champions Trophy is not the end of the world. If there is the slightest doubt, he shouldn’t be in the squad. Five back-to-back Test matches isn’t something he has ever played in his cricketing career,” former India trainer Ramaji Srinivasan said in the report.

Several pressing questions await resolution as the selectors prepare to finalize the squad. Reports have hinted that Rohit Sharma’s position as ODI captain could be under scrutiny following India’s disappointing series loss in Australia.

Additionally, unresolved concerns from the 2023 World Cup linger. These include identifying a reliable finisher for the playing XI, determining a suitable second pacer in case Mohammed Shami is sidelined by injury, finalizing the ideal spin combination, and selecting impactful backups capable of making a difference in crucial moments.

More insights: Major Jasprit Bumrah Injury Setback for India Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025; Star Pacer Likely to Miss Tournament: Report

Agarkar to Meet Gambhir and Rohit for Australia Tour Review; Kohli’s Form and Ashwin’s Retirement on Agenda: Report

The BCCI Chief Selector, Ajit Agarkar, is reportedly scheduled to meet with Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma to discuss and review India’s underwhelming performance during their recent tour of Australia.

Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee for the Indian Cricket Team, is reportedly scheduled to meet with captain Rohit Sharma and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir to review India’s underwhelming tour of Australia. The team suffered a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

As per the Hindustan Times, Agarkar is currently in Vadodara for the quarterfinal matches of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting on Thursday. He will meet with the remaining members of the Selection Committee before sitting down with Gambhir and Sharma to conduct a comprehensive review of India’s performance during the tour of Australia.

In addition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold a Special General Meeting (SGM) in Mumbai on Sunday, where Devajit Saikia will formally take over as BCCI secretary. According to reports, several meetings will be held to address various issues, including India’s recent poor performances in Test cricket.

India’s recent form has seen a significant decline. After securing a 2-0 home victory over Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma’s team has suffered six losses in eight matches, including a 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand and a loss to Australia in the away series. The selectors are expected to review the form of senior players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both struggled with the bat recently.

During the Australian tour, India faced numerous challenges, and the selectors will be focusing on multiple aspects. These include R. Ashwin’s unexpected mid-tour retirement, allegations of division within the team, Rohit’s absence from the final Test due to a lack of runs, and Kohli’s ongoing lean spell at the crease.

After India’s series defeat to Australia, their chances of making it to a third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final were effectively dashed. The loss raised questions about the performance of India’s senior players, many of whom have struggled to deliver for an extended period. It remains to be seen if the selectors will make any tough decisions regarding the team’s leadership and core group.

With an aging squad, the key question is who will emerge as the new leaders to take on more responsibility in the future, particularly if the era of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli eventually comes to a close.