The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Pakistan, is fast approaching, and the anticipation surrounding India’s squad selection is reaching fever pitch. While the core of the Indian team seems almost cemented, there are several talented players who, despite showcasing impressive performances, might face the heartbreak of being left out of the prestigious tournament. Here are five such Indian players whose potential omission could spark significant debate: Champions Trophy Snub?
Mohammed Siraj:
The fiery fast bowler has become a regular feature in India’s Test setup and has shown flashes of brilliance in white-ball cricket. However, with the likely presence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and potentially even Shardul Thakur, Siraj might find it tough to break into the Champions Trophy squad. His inconsistency in the shorter formats could be a deciding factor against him. Champions Trophy Snub?
Sanju Samson:
The incredibly talented wicketkeeper-batsman has consistently dazzled in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has shown glimpses of his potential in the limited opportunities he’s received for India. Despite a passionate fan following, Samson’s inability to convert starts into big scores at the international level might hinder his chances, especially with Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul being strong contenders for the wicketkeeper slot.
Suryakumar Yadav:
The “SKY” of Indian cricket, Suryakumar Yadav has taken the T20 format by storm with his innovative stroke-play and ability to score 360 degrees around the ground. However, his ODI record hasn’t quite mirrored his T20 success. With a packed middle order already featuring Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and potentially Hardik Pandya, Yadav’s inclusion in the 50-over format for the Champions Trophy remains uncertain.
Nitish Rana:
The Delhi Capitals skipper has been a consistent performer in the IPL, showcasing his ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed. He has represented India in a handful of games, but breaking into a star-studded lineup for a major tournament like the Champions Trophy is a daunting task. Rana’s versatility as a left-handed batter and part-time off-spinner could be his USP, but he might need a standout IPL season to truly force his way into the reckoning.
Prasidh Krishna
Another fast-bowling prospect, Prasidh Krishna possesses genuine pace and the ability to trouble batsmen with his bounce. He has been in and around the Indian setup for a while but hasn’t cemented his place. Similar to Siraj, Krishna faces stiff competition from established pacers, and his economy rate in white-ball cricket could be a concern for the selectors.
The Road Ahead:
The upcoming IPL season and the remaining international fixtures before the Champions Trophy will be crucial for these players. A string of strong performances could force the selectors to reconsider their options. However, with the current depth of Indian cricket, these five talented individuals face an uphill battle to make the cut for the prestigious tournament.
The Debate:
The potential omission of these players is sure to ignite passionate debates among fans and experts. While the selectors have a challenging task in picking the best possible squad, overlooking in-form players like these could raise questions about India’s selection strategy for the Champions Trophy 2025. Only time will tell who makes the final squad, but the anticipation and speculation will undoubtedly continue to build in the months leading up to the tournament.
