Sports Bulletin of January 18: From India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Announced to Death of Manchester United Great Denis Law

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From India squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and ODI Series vs England announced to the death of Manchester United and Scotland Great Denis Law, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

The Indian Cricket team, Denis Law, and tennis player Sriram Balaji are dominating the proceedings on a busy Saturday (January 18) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. BCCI Announce Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 and ODI Series Against England

The BCCI has announced India's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy and the ODI series against England. Rohit Sharma will captain the team, with key players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill included. Jasprit Bumrah is named, pending fitness clearance. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated, "We are waiting on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and will know his status in early February from BCCI's medical team."

India Champions Trophy Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah

India Squad for ODI Series vs England: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana

2. Jasprit Bumrah Named in India Squad but Upon Availability, Next Scan on February 2

Jasprit Bumrah has been named in India's provisional 15-member squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, subject to fitness. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated, "We are waiting on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and will know his status in early February from BCCI's medical team." Bumrah is currently recovering from back spasms sustained during the Sydney Test against Australia.

3. Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson Snubbed from India Squad

The BCCI has announced India's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy and the ODI series against England, notably excluding wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. Their omissions have sparked discussions among fans and analysts.

4. Yashasvi Jaiswal Gets Maiden ODI Call-up

Yashasvi Jaiswal has earned his maiden ODI call-up, being named in India's 15-member squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy and the preceding ODI series against England. The 23-year-old left-handed opener has been a standout performer in Tests and T20Is, and his inclusion adds a fresh dynamic to India's top order. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar highlighted Jaiswal's potential, stating, "We picked Jaiswal based on clearly what he's shown in the last 6-8 months."

5. Akash Deep Handed 15-day Rest After Injury, Out of Champions Trophy Squad

Indian pacer Akash Deep has been advised a 15-day rest due to a stiff back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ruling him out of the Champions Trophy squad. He stated, "I am following the advice of the NCA, and once they instruct me to start bowling, I will do so."

6. Ajit Agarkar Explains Karun Nair Snub Saying 'Can't Fit Everyone'

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed Karun Nair's omission from India's 2025 Champions Trophy squad, acknowledging his exceptional domestic performance but citing limited spots. Agarkar stated, "Averaging 750-plus is simply insane, but it's a squad of 15, so we can't fit everyone." He added, "Finding a spot in this team is difficult." Nair amassed 752 runs in seven innings during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, averaging 752.

7. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul set to skip next Ranji Trophy Match for Respective States

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will miss the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches for their respective state teams due to injuries. Kohli is experiencing neck stiffness, having taken an injection on January 8 but still feeling discomfort. Rahul is dealing with an elbow issue, preventing his participation. Both players have informed the BCCI medical team about their conditions.

8. LSG Plan Gala Event in Kolkata to Announce Rishabh Pant as Captain

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to announce their new captain for the 2025 IPL season during a press conference at the RPSG headquarters in Kolkata on January 20. Rishabh Pant, acquired for a record ₹27 crore, is the leading candidate, with Nicholas Pooran also in contention. Owner Sanjiv Goenka will make the official announcement.

9. Great Manchester United and Scotland Football, Denis Law, Dies at 84

Denis Law, the legendary Scottish footballer renowned for his prolific career with Manchester United and the Scotland national team, has passed away at the age of 84. Affectionately known as "The King" by United supporters, Law was the only Scotsman to win the Ballon d'Or in 1964. He became the club's third-highest all-time scorer with 237 goals in 404 appearances. In 2021, Law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. He is survived by his wife, Diana, and their five children.

10. Sriram Balaji Out in Second Round in Australian Open 2025

India's N. Sriram Balaji and his Mexican partner, Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela, were eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open men's doubles. They faced Portugal's Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral, losing 6-7(1), 6-4, 3-6. The match lasted two hours and nine minutes, with the Indo-Mexican duo unable to capitalize on early leads.