Champions Trophy 2025 : Why There Is A Delay In Announcing India's Squad?- Explained

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India are yet to announce its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, even though teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand, England, Afghanistan, and Australia have already revealed their squads.

The delay is primarily due to fitness concerns over key players Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.

The BCCI missed the January 12 deadline to submit a provisional squad and sought an extension from the ICC. This initial list is required for logistical preparations such as hospitality and visa arrangements. However, the ICC allows teams to make changes to their provisional squads until February 13.

Jasprit Bumrah suffered back spasms during the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this month. Reports suggest he has swelling in his back and will report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. He is expected to miss the ODI series against England in February and could also miss the group stages of the Champions Trophy, if his condition is at worse. It is reported that he has consulted an Orthopedic surgeon from New Zealand to help him recover quickly.

Kuldeep Yadav has been out of action since October due to a groin injury sustained during a Test match against New Zealand. After undergoing surgery in Germany, he is recovering at the NCA and is expected to regain fitness by the end of January. If fit, he may play in the England ODI series starting February 6.

Despite these fitness issues, selectors Ajit Agarkar, Rohit Sharma, and Gautam Gambhir met in Mumbai and as per a report by Dainik Jagran and decided to include Bumrah, Kuldeep, and Mohammed Shami in the Champions Trophy provisional squad. Their recovery will be crucial for India's plans in the tournament as they have led the Men in Blue to many victories in the past till then the fans have to wait for official confirmation.