Published By: Sayan Guha

Who’s Missing the Cut? THESE Indian Stars Could Miss Champions Trophy 2025

With a packed squad and rising talent, tough decisions loom for India’s selectors ahead of the big tournament

The Champions Trophy 2025 is quickly approaching, and cricket fans are over themselves with anticipation. Set to begin on February 19, the ICC event has always been a stunning spectacle. For India, it's more than just another tournament; it's an opportunity to restore glory after winning the coveted crown twice, in 2002 and 2013.

With the preliminary squad deadline of January 12 approaching, the selectors are working hard to assemble a winning combination. However, some of India's most well-known cricketers may not make the final cut. Tough decisions are unavoidable when you have a talent pool as large as India's.

So, who are the prominent names that may miss the Champions Trophy flight to Dubai? Let's dig in.

Shubman Gill: The form conundrum

It's hard to think that Shubman Gill, long seen as the future of Indian batting, is now in jeopardy. His recent batting performances have been disappointing, with forgettable appearances against Australia in the Bordar-Gavaskar Trophy and the three ODIs against Sri Lanka.

To make matters more confusing, Yashasvi Jaiswal's emergence as a left-handed opener provides India with an intriguing left-right combination with Rohit Sharma. While Gill's talent is apparent, his current form may rule him out of the Champions Trophy, at least in the starting XI.

Mohammed Shami: Too risky a bet?

Mohammed Shami has become India's go-to pacer in recent years with Jasprit Bumrah. His sensational performance in the 2023 World Cup, when he finished as the tournament's best wicket-taker with 24 scalps in just seven innings, demonstrated his resilience once again. However, his proclivity for injuries has left the selection committee in a difficult position.

Shami recently returned to domestic cricket and delivered great performances. However, with young pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh establishing their claims, India may be tempted to search for younger, less injury-prone players. Shami's inclusion on the Champions Trophy roster is not definite, no matter how much it hurts.

Sanju Samson: The unlucky talent?

Sanju Samson's withdrawal may surprise many fans, given his strong ODI record—510 runs in 16 matches at an average of 57. However, the odds are stacked against him. With experienced openers like Rohit Sharma and rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the charge, Samson may struggle to break into the team.

Samson excels at the top of the order, whereas India has already established alternatives. The additional factor? He has not played any Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Kerala, raising concerns about his preparation. Samson may stay on the margins until he returns spectacularly during India's ODI series against England.

What lies ahead

As Ajit Agarkar led India's selectors to assemble the Champions Trophy roster, they faced a predicament that most teams would envy: too many excellent players and insufficient positions. Established players like Samson, Shami, and Gill face the possibility of missing out, not because they aren't talented enough but because competition within the group is fiercer than ever.

The next ODI series against England may be the final chance for some of these players to impress. One outstanding performance might swing the scales in their favour. However, until the squad is revealed, fans and experts will continue to discuss who merits a position and who does not.