Rohit Sharma happy with Team India’s selection for Champions Trophy 2025

India’s skipper Rohit Sharma has expressed confidence in the 15-member squad selected for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, emphasizing the team’s depth and versatility. Addressing the media on Saturday alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Rohit praised the all-round capabilities of the players and their ability to adapt to various roles.

Rohit specifically lauded the contributions of all-rounders Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, describing them as integral to the team’s balance. He stressed that these players are not limited to filling either a batting or bowling role but excel in both capacities.

“These guys—Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel—are proper all-rounders. They can bat, they can bowl. They have performed in situations where the team and I are very comfortable with their roles,” Rohit said.

The captain highlighted the versatility the trio brings, allowing India to cover multiple bases in both batting and bowling departments. He added, “With their spin, we have an off-spinner, a left-arm spinner, and, of course, Kuldeep Yadav. This combination gives us the flexibility to handle various match scenarios.”

The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE under a hybrid model. India’s matches will be played in Dubai. The tournament, featuring eight teams and 15 matches, offers a challenging test for the Rohit Sharma-led side.

India is grouped with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in Group A. The much-anticipated clash against Pakistan is set for February 23, with India’s campaign beginning against Bangladesh on February 20. Their last group-stage match will be against New Zealand on March 2.

The squad reflects a focus on all-round strength, with Rohit noting the importance of having multiple options across disciplines. The inclusion of experienced spinners like Jadeja and Kuldeep, alongside Sundar and Axar, ensures the team can adapt to different conditions.

“When you have quality players like these three, the squad looks like it has got a lot of depth. We’ve covered all bases, and this gives us confidence going into the tournament,” Rohit said.

India’s Champions Trophy Squad

• Captain: Rohit Sharma
• Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
• Batsmen: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja
• Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav
• Pacers: Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.