We've been eagerly awaiting the announcement of India's squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, and the moment finally arrived this Saturday.

While most of the picks were expected, the exclusion of Mohammed Siraj from the 15-man squad was a significant surprise.

Instead, Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer, was chosen to complete the pace trio alongside Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.

The Key Decision Behind Siraj's Exclusion

The decision to leave out Siraj has raised several eyebrows, and in a detailed explanation, Rohit Sharma, India's captain, shed light on the selection process. "We are uncertain about Bumrah's availability, so we wanted someone who could bowl effectively both with the new ball and at the death," Rohit explained.

He emphasized that the selectors opted for Arshdeep Singh because of his ability to bowl under pressure in the latter stages of the innings. The captain added that Mohammed Shami's strength with the new ball was already proven, and it was essential to choose players who could fill the roles needed.

Rohit Sharma Speaks on Siraj's Missed Opportunity

Rohit didn't shy away from addressing Siraj's exclusion, acknowledging that it was a tough decision. He explained, “Siraj's effectiveness diminishes when he's not bowling with the new ball.” Despite his performance in other formats, Siraj's value in the squad came mainly from his opening spell. The captain mentioned that although it was unfortunate for Siraj, it was important for India to choose bowlers who could effectively cover all aspects of the game.

Arshdeep's Inclusion: A Bold Move

Despite limited experience in ODIs, Rohit firmly backed Arshdeep Singh's inclusion. “Arshdeep has been a part of the white-ball set-up for a long time, and though he hasn't played many ODIs, he has played enough T20Is under pressure,” Rohit said. The captain emphasized that his experience in international cricket and his skills in handling pressure situations were qualities that made him a valuable asset for the squad.

India's Full Squad for the Champions Trophy 2025

Here's a look at India's 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy 2025:

• Rohit Sharma (captain)

• Shubman Gill (vice-captain)

• Virat Kohli

• Shreyas Iyer

• KL Rahul

• Hardik Pandya

• Axar Patel

• Washington Sundar

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Mohammed Shami

• Arshdeep Singh

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Rishabh Pant

• Ravindra Jadeja

The selection reflects a balance between experience and youth, with strong contenders for every position.

India Prepares for the Challenge

As we gear up for the Champions Trophy 2025, we remain excited about the squad and its potential to bring glory to the nation. The decisions made by the selectors and the leadership of Rohit Sharma show that India is focusing on versatility and adaptability for every match situation.

With a blend of established players and rising stars, India looks well-prepared to tackle the competition head-on. Are you ready to cheer for Team India?