India’s squad for the Champions Trophy will be picked on January 19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed.
Even though the ICC deadline for submission of teams is on January 12, the BCCI had sought an extension and it was decided that the provisional squad will be picked a month before the tournament, which begins on February 19.
With Jasprit Bumrah remaining doubtful for the tournament due to a swelling in his back, the <a href="https://sports-info.online/2025/01/13/cricket/india-squad-for-champions-trophy-out-of-favour-ishan-kishan-axed-from-bcci-contracts-makes-surprise-entry-in-spot-race/” title=”India Squad For Champions Trophy: Out Of Favour Ishan Kishan, Axed From BCCI Contracts, Makes Surprise Entry In Spot Race”>national selection committee is awaiting further details from the National Cricket Association on the fitness of the fast bowler.
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Sources indicate that the selectors want to be absolutely sure about Bumrah’s fitness and also take stock of Mohammed Shami’s fitness before finalising the 15-member squad for the ICC event. While Shami will return to action during India’s T20I series against England later this month, he will be monitored game-by-game.
Bumrah’s injury came to the fore during the final Test against Australia in Sydney and he did not bowl in the second innings. “Bumrah will be at the NCA, where he will be monitored and that’s one of the reasons behind the selectors requesting a bit more time before announcing the team for the ICC event. They want to be sure,” a source said.
Despite speculations, Rohit Sharma will lead the team, while Virat Kohli, too, will be in the side. The Champions Trophy begins on February 19 and will be played across Pakistan and the UAE. India begins its campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.