Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will remain the mainstays of India’s ODI batting lineup for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 despite their disastrous Australia tour and long-standing poor form with the bat. However, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja’s ODI futures are uncertain.
It is being reported by PTI that the inclusion of KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja in the India squad, which is set to be picked this weekend for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, is under review. But there are very slim chances of them getting picked in the Champions Trophy squad.
KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja in doubt for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
On the other hand, with Rishabh Pant likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, KL Rahul’s role as a backup keeper is also under the red light. If Rahul is not keeping, the right-handed batter’s place as a batter isn’t guaranteed either for the upcoming eight-nation tournament.
Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to have a strong chance of making India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, providing a left-handed option in the top four. And if Gautam Gambhir has any influence over the selections, Sanju Samson could also make the cut.
An India Today report claimed that KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja’s futures in ODI cricket will be discussed when the Indian selectors meet this weekend to pick the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled in February-March.
KL Rahul’s struggles and Ravindra Jadeja’s declining form under scrutiny for CT selection
Since the 2024 ODI World Cup final, India has played six ODIs. While Jadeja was rested, Rahul played in both the away series against South Africa and Sri Lanka. However, Rahul was dropped during the Sri Lanka series after struggling to score in the middle overs.
People still remember how Rahul’s slow half-century, taking over 100 balls, contributed to India’s loss against Australia in the World Cup final. Rahul also failed to live up to the expectations in the recent Test series in Australia and his strike rate may play a role in his non-selection.
Speaking about Ravindra Jadeja, India’s left-arm spin all-rounder, his form has dipped significantly in white-ball cricket with the bat, and the selection committee is reportedly looking at Axar Patel as a more reliable option in ODI cricket right now.
Read Also: Nitish Kumar Reddy makes himself available for Ranji Trophy after Gautam Gambhir’s orders
Mohammed Shami almost certain for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, Washington Sundar is almost certain to make it to the CT 2025 squad as an off-spinner, but there are concerns about Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness. However, Kuldeep is close to full fitness, but he has not played a single game in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, which is a major concern for the selectors. If Kuldeep doesn’t make the cut, either Ravi Bishnoi or Varun Chakravarthy is expected to get a place in India’s squad for the upcoming mega event.
On the other hand, Mohammed Shami’s fitness status has caused some confusion, with his communication with the team management and selectors lacking clarity. However, Shami has bowled eight overs in his last two Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 matches, proving he’s still in the mix.
If Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out due to ongoing back spasms, Shami’s experience will become invaluable for India, making him lead India’s pace attack in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. However, Shami will have to prove his fitness and form in the ongoing 50-over tournament.