Former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan have shared their predictions for India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, even as fans eagerly await the official announcement. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to unveil the lineup on January 19. Reports suggest that the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has sought an extension from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize the squad.

Sharing his insights, Sunil Gavaskar emphasized the importance of recent performances. “If I were on the selection panel, I’d prioritize players who have excelled recently. KL Rahul had a brilliant 50-over World Cup, and Shreyas Iyer showed his mettle with consistent performances. I believe both deserve to be part of the Champions Trophy squad,” Gavaskar commented on Star Sports.
Gavaskar also outlined his preferred middle order, stating, “At No. 4, Shreyas Iyer is my pick, followed by KL Rahul at No. 5 and Rishabh Pant at No. 6. Sanju Samson, who has delivered match-winning centuries for India, also deserves a spot. Ignoring someone with his track record would be a mistake.”
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Irfan Pathan offered additional perspective, highlighting the team’s balance and all-round options.
“With players like Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8, the team boasts incredible depth in both batting and bowling. Having a fast-bowling all-rounder as a backup adds great flexibility. Young talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has performed admirably in challenging Australian conditions, are valuable assets,” Irfan Pathan remarked.

Pathan also discussed India’s bowling attack, noting Mohammed Siraj as a key player. “Siraj should be the third pacer after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, provided they’re fit. Bumrah’s injury situation will need close monitoring, and we hope it isn’t severe,” he added.
With excitement building, the Indian cricketing fraternity eagerly anticipates the squad announcement and the strategies that will shape India’s Champions Trophy campaign.
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Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan’s India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy