India's Champions Trophy Squad: Harbhajan Names 15-Member Team with Key Exclusions and Surprises
Harbhajan Singh has named his predicted 15-member squad for India’s Champions Trophy 2025, excluding Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul while favoring Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant. The squad features a mix of youth and experience, with key inclusions like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India's Champions Trophy Squad: Harbhajan Names 15-Member Team with Key Exclusions and Surprises
The Indian cricket team has yet to announce its squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to take place from February 19 to March 9. While there was anticipation that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would reveal the team by January 12, it is now expected that the squad will be disclosed by January 19. With only 15 spots available, several players are likely to miss out.
In a recent YouTube video, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh unveiled his predicted squad for the tournament. Notably, Harbhajan's team excluded Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, both key figures in Indian cricket. Additionally, he suggested that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson might be preferred over Rishabh Pant for a spot in the team.
Harbhajan, reflecting on the team selection process, stated, “We should not get emotional after the defeat in Australia. We need to use our wisdom in picking the best side." He then outlined his Champions Trophy squad, which includes:
Rohit Sharma (captain)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (in place of KL Rahul, to make his ODI debut)
Virat Kohli at No. 3
Shreyas Iyer at No. 4
Tilak Varma at No. 5 (after impressive T20 performances)
Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant at No. 6 (Harbhajan favors Samson due to his recent form in South Africa)
Hardik Pandya at No. 7
Axar Patel at No. 8
Kuldeep Yadav at No. 9
Jasprit Bumrah at No. 10
Mohammed Shami at No. 11
Mohammed Siraj as the 12th man
Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shubman Gill, and Yuzvendra Chahal round out the squad.
Harbhajan also explained his choice of Shubman Gill over KL Rahul, praising Gill’s fast-scoring ability in ODIs.
This squad reflects Harbhajan's belief in a balanced side that blends experience with youth, aiming for the best possible combination for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
