India to Announce Champions Trophy Squad Soon, Bumrah Likely to be Vice-Captaincy
The last few months have been extremely challenging for the Indian cricket team. With a 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, not only did the team drop out of the World Test Championship race, but also lost the top spot in the Test rankings. The 0-3 defeat against New Zealand on home ground further weakened the team's position. Now the entire focus of the Indian team is on white-ball cricket.
All eyes are on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 starting on February 19. India will play five T20Is and three ODIs against England starting January 22. This series is being seen as a preparation for the upcoming tournament.
Team announced for Champions Trophy
The ICC has instructed all countries to announce their 15-member preliminary squad by January 12. However, changes in the team will be allowed till February 13. Ajit Agarkar, who is heading the selection committee, can announce the Indian team by January 12.
"The teams will have to submit their preliminary list by January 12. But changes can be made till February 13. It is up to the teams whether to announce the first or submit the final list directly on February 13. ”
Will Bumrah be the vice-captain?
According to reports, Jasprit Bumrah can be made the vice-captain of Team India. Despite struggling with fitness in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah has done brilliantly with his bowling. A report in the Times of India states that the selectors may hand over the responsibility of vice-captaincy to Bumrah along with Rohit Sharma.
Players like Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul can be ignored by this decision. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, these two players were in the role of vice-captain. Hardik's all-round performance and Rahul's batting were good, but Bumrah's experience and leadership ability can keep him ahead in this race.
Eyes on India's white-ball cricket
For the Indian team, this tournament will be an opportunity to regain its lost glory. All eyes will be on the team's performance during the series against England and the Champions Trophy.