The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a pivotal event in the cricketing calendar, with India looking to reclaim the glory they last tasted in 2013.
The tournament, scheduled to take place in Dubai for the Indian team due to security concerns, promises high-stakes cricket with every match being a potential blockbuster.
However, not every promising talent will make it into the final squad
Champions Trophy 2025: Here are 3 key Indian players who might just miss this golden opportunity to shine
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been nothing short of a revelation in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25, showcasing a level of maturity and skill that belies his age.
His performances have been pivotal, often steering India from tricky situations with both his aggressive and measured play.
Despite his spectacular run in Test cricket, his place in the Champions Trophy squad hangs by a thread, primarily due to the established pecking order at the top of the batting lineup.
Shubman Gill, having been named as the vice-captain, occupies one of the two opening slots with Rohit Sharma, leaving little room for Jaiswal unless there’s an injury or a drastic form slump.
Gill’s performances in ODIs have been commendable, with a strike rate often crossing the 100 mark, ensuring his spot is well-cemented.
Jaiswal, on the other hand, while having an impressive strike rate, lacks the same volume of ODI experience, which could be the deciding factor for selectors in a tournament where experience often counts.
His exclusion would be a significant blow to fans who have seen him as the future of Indian cricket, but the team’s current strategy seems to lean more towards stability than experimentation.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant’s flair and aggressive batting style have made him a fan favorite, but his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad is far from guaranteed.
The reason lies in the presence of KL Rahul, who has proven himself as a reliable wicket-keeper batter, especially after his stellar performances during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Rahul’s versatility, both behind and in front of the stumps, provides India with a balanced approach, particularly in the 50-over format where his calm demeanor and match-winning knocks have been notable.
Pant, known for his explosive batting, might find the selectors favoring Rahul for his consistency and experience.
In ODIs, Pant’s approach has sometimes led to quick dismissals, which can be a luxury India might not afford in a high-pressure tournament like the Champions Trophy.
Moreover, Pant’s recovery from injuries and his recent form in domestic cricket might not be enough to sway selectors when compared against Rahul’s proven track record in similar conditions.
This scenario would see Pant serving as a reserve or even missing out entirely, a prospect that would be a disappointment for those who see him as a game-changer.
Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar’s journey in international cricket has been one of potential and promise, particularly with his off-spin and handy contributions with the bat.
However, his path to the Champions Trophy squad appears obstructed by the presence of seasoned all-rounders like Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, alongside the spin maestro Kuldeep Yadav.
Both Jadeja and Patel not only offer spin bowling options but can also hold their own with the bat, providing depth to the Indian lineup.
In conditions expected in Dubai, where spin might play a significant role, the selectors might lean towards players who have a broader experience and better track records in similar scenarios.
Sundar, despite his skills, might find himself out of favor due to this overcrowding of talent.
His exclusion would mark a strategic choice by the team management to prioritize players who can adapt quickly to the demands of the tournament, especially when both Jadeja and Patel have the capability to bat in the middle order effectively.
In Summary
The selection for the Champions Trophy 2025 is not just about picking the best players but also about crafting a team that can strategically outperform opponents in specific conditions.
The exclusion of Jaiswal, Pant, and Sundar would not be a reflection of their lack of talent but rather a testament to the depth and competition within the Indian squad.
While fans might be disheartened to see such young and dynamic players on the sidelines, the choices made will aim at achieving the ultimate goal – bringing the Champions Trophy back to India.
The decisions will be tough, but in cricket, as in life, sometimes the hardest choices lead to the greatest victories.
