The Ranji Trophy has been one of the pinnacle stones of the Indian Cricket Team. It acted as the gateway to discovering talented Indian cricketers who have created a long-lasting impact on the cricket world's landscape. Currently, this tournament has come under the spotlight for many reasons, specifically related to the current Indian cricket team campaigners who are relying on this red-ball tournament to polish and revamp their game after a string of consecutive mediocre performances.

The prominent example is Virat Kohli, who is all set to make a comeback for his home side, Delhi, over 12 years, in tomorrow's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match. Not just him, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja have been among those who have used the Ranji Trophy as a platform to fine-tune their game. Though the examples mentioned above have been spectacular in this domestic platform, a few players have shown their top-class match in this format but didn't get a chance to don the Indian Cricket Team jersey. That said, here we look at the five players who have seen this scenario.

Ranji Trophy, India's prominent domestic First-Class tournament, is widely regarded as the pathway to the Indian squad for all aspiring cricketers across the country. In every period, Indian cricket has been blessed with brilliant cricketers from all game sectors. However, as the saying goes, skill alone will not allow a cricketer to thrive in life. To succeed in international cricket, in addition to skill, one must have the appropriate temperament, luck, and support from team management and selectors. 

Recently, prominent players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja have been among those who have used the Ranji Trophy as a platform to fine-tune their game. This article focuses on five players who rose to popularity via their Ranji Trophy performances. Still, when given the opportunity to play on the international stage, they could not unleash their full potential, leading them to get neglected by the Indian squad. 

The ICC Champions Trophy is back after eight years, and after much deliberation, the competition will begin on February 19th in Pakistan and UAE (only for India matches). India, the past edition's finalist, has officially unveiled their lineup after having supporters wait a little longer than expected, and it is a team with a solid mix of youth and experience.

The Indian Cricket Team announced their tournament team yesterday, and some fascinating and alarming details emerged, sparking much debate and discussion among Indian cricket fans. Taking away the positive aspects of the team, we examine the three players to see who may make an impact in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The ICC Champions Trophy makes a comeback after a long haul of eight years, with the defending champions, Pakistan, being the tournament's hosts. In addition, the UAE will act as the second host country, specifically for India matches.

Fanatics are already talking about which players may light up the event. Several cricketers are primed to become the edition's defining characters, from rising talents to seasoned veterans. That being said, here are the top three players to watch out for in the forthcoming Champions Trophy edition that may impact their respective arsenals. 

The Indian Cricket Team is all set to give their all in the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, where they will be up against the eight powerhouse teams for an enticing tournament. The selection committee has finalised the 15-member roster, and the coaching staff and captain are responsible for picking the playing XI. India, led by Virat Kohli, competed in the previous tournament's final, which Pakistan won by a landslide. 

However, eight years later, the leadership mantle and responsibility has been given to Rohit Sharma, with India looking to win the prized trophy for the first time since 2013. From experienced veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to developing talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the squad has tremendous talent that can make a significant impact. That said, here we create the strongest probable Playing XI of the Indian Cricket Team for the forthcoming tournament.

India's Strongest Probable Playing XI:

• Rohit Sharma (Captain)
• Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja/ Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Arshdeep Singh
• Mohammed Shami
• Jasprit Bumrah

(Reserve: Harshit Rana)

In the top order, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have performed admirably as an opening duo in ODI cricket. They also have much experience playing together. Rohit and Shubman were India's openers in the previous ODI World Cup. However, there is no doubt about their ability, and Indian supporters will be hoping that the captain-vice captain combo can get back into the running in the flagship event. The two talismanic batters have formed a lethal opening partnership in the last few years. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make an ODI kickstart, would be the viable backup if the initial top-order falters. 

India's middle order is one of the best positives that can be yielded from the released lineup. It possesses the correct and optimum mix of calibre and exceptional intent to change the course of the game. Virat Kohli was the leading run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023. His credentials in 50-over cricket are outstanding, which makes it a no-brainer that he gets the No.3 spot. If Kohli is in top form, India will benefit greatly, thanks to his impeccable experience. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is returning to the ODI format and has performed admirably in the 2023 World Cup. This will be his first appearance in the Champions Trophy. Shreyas' performance at No. 4 will be crucial. KL Rahul will likely wear the wicketkeeping gloves and be the ideal batter to contribute critical runs. The Karnataka-based player has a terrific record in ODIs at No. 5, making him a perfect choice for giving a robust stability to the batting core.

See Also: 3 Reasons why India cannot win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Hardik Pandya, India's most premium white-ball allrounder, should start at No.6 and give much-needed balance to the team with his power-hitting and reliable medium-pace. Ravindra Jadeja will be the spin-bowling all-rounder, slotted at No.7, known for producing memorable moments for the Indian Cricket Team. Another option that can be taken for No.7 is Axar Patel. Patel's rise in the International space of the game has been noteworthy. The left-arm off-spinner has played a crucial role in the team's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup, and it's not a surprise that he could do the same in the coming games. As it implies, about the conditions, the team can choose one of the all-rounders for a complete arsenal. After recovering from a groin injury, Kuldeep Yadav has resumed bowling at the nets. He will play a key role in the middle overs when he can grab significant wickets and shift the momentum in India's favour.

Mohammed Shami will make his much-anticipated return to international cricket. His recent domestic circuit performance has shown promise, and it will be interesting to watch how his pace and wicket-taking talents will flip the game in his team's favour. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been the star bowler for India across all forms. India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy recently, but Bumrah was crowned Player of the Tournament for outstanding performances. If Bumrah stays back due to his injuries, Harshit Rana will replace the lethal pacer. He will lead the bowling assault once more. Arshdeep Singh has been a regular for India in the Twenty20 format, but he has yet to establish himself in the One-Day Internationals, and this should be the right platform for it. The left-arm seamer will provide a fresh dimension to the team.

Overall, this squad combines seasoned veterans and developing talent to provide a balanced and competitive advantage in the competition. However, player fitness and form will determine the final selection as the competition advances.

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make its much-anticipated return after an eight-year hiatus, commencing on February 19, 2025, with matches hosted in Pakistan and the UAE (for India's fixtures). India, known for its remarkable consistency and dominance on the global stage, enters the tournament as one of the strongest contenders, ready to stake its claim in this ultimate test of cricketing excellence. But the recently released Indian squad for the forthcoming tournament has sparked a lot of talk and discussion amongst the game's followers.

Though it had its own set of positives, some aspects could hinder their chances to scalp their second title of the tournament. Keeping in mind the team's recent performances post their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup has been alarming for their future performances. Here, we look at the three factors that could not lead India to a victorious 2025 Champions Trophy run.

India 15-man squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Reserve)

The 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy kickstarts on 19 February, comprising an enticing clash between the eight powerhouse countries of the sport. Making a comeback after eight years, the league is scheduled to happen in the defending champions' backyard, Pakistan. In addition, the UAE will be the second host country for India matches.

The Indian Cricket Team arranged their squad for the tournament yesterday, and some intriguing and shocking aspects came up from them, stirring a lot of talk and discussion amongst the Indian cricket fanatics. Taking away the good elements from the respective side, we dissect the three takeaways that can help lead India to their second-ever ICC Champions Trophy title. 

India 15-man squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Reserve)

The ICC Champions Trophy is all set to make a comeback after a long gap of eight years, which is scheduled to happen from 19 February 2025 in Pakistan and UAE (only for India matches). As the name suggests, this tournament acts as one of those platforms where it gives an ode to the right prolific teams who are at their best form amidst the competitive and dynamic cricketing landscape. 

Unsurprisingly, all the participating eight teams would be eager to triumph and don the white blazer, a customary ritual after winning the trophy. India has always been the face of consistency and a cricket powerhouse, making it one of the strong contenders for the title. The last time the Men in Blue won the coveted Champions Trophy was way back in 2013, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. With the Indian squad being released for the clashups, here we ponder the lineup's two major strengths and weaknesses. 

India 15-man squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Reserve)

2 Strengths:

Well-curated and reliable spinners department

Considering that India will be clashing in the daunting and flat conditions of the Middle East in UAE, it is not a surprise that it would primarily be constituting spin-friendly tracks. Pertaining to such aspects, India has made a side with a commendable spinmeister arsenal.

With the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, the left-hand-dominated attack has been reliable with their spin and mysterious deliveries that could hinder the momentum of the opposition batters. Overall, the first and most significant strength to take away from the Indian side would definitely be their spinners. 

Robust mid-order core

Though there have been some slight ups and downs in India's top-order batting, it has always been the middle-order of the team that has created an enormous impact in obtaining pivotal runs. KL Rahul and, along with Shreyas Iyer, who will be coming back donning the blue jersey after a considerable amount of time, will be faces of the batting attack if the initial few starting batters falter.

Rishabh Pant could play the role of initiating the power-hitting mode of their batting innings. In addition, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja's all-rounding abilities with the bat could help them get runs in the end stages of the game. 

2 Weaknesses:

Bewildering exclusions

India has always been a prominent side for having the right balance across all departments for such big and fierce tournaments, and in some cases, they have successfully obtained the desired results. But this time, the released squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked much debate among critics and fanatics regarding players who have been shockingly excluded or not even considered by the selectors' committee.

Especially in the case of Karun Nair, who has had a fantabulous Vijay Hazare Trophy stint as the captain of Vidarbha, averaging at over 750 with his willow, has got many fans disappointed in his exclusion. The squad has also neglected consistent fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, and many are surprised by this big step. Even the case of Sanju Samson is no different from the rest, and his name not being on the squad got many agitated, as he has been phenomenal in the white-ball international games with his swashbuckling approach and reliable hands behind the gloves. 

The injury woes and dilemmas

Injury for any sportsperson has always hindered a team-based sports' lineup, which could massively impact their route towards performing well in any competitive tournament. In this case, many star players of the 15-man squad are under the medical radar for detecting any probable major injuries. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have backed out of playing the Ranji Trophy, citing niggles and discomfort. In the spinners department, Kuldeep Yadav has had a long-term groin injury, where his coming back to inform abilities would be a bit time-consuming.

Jasprit Bumrah has been having a probable lousy time with the back after carrying off commendable and valiant efforts in the 2024-25 BGT. As a precautionary measure, Harshit Rana is called a reserve player if Bumrah encounters a major injury, prompting him to stay away from the ball for the ICC tournament. So, from the names mentioned above, all the players are impactful in their aspects, and their speculated injury stories could be a potential weakness for the team's upcoming intense 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for the England ODI series

Mumbai Indians (MI) will be eager to demonstrate their top-notch worth following some disappointing seasons in the Indian Premier League. Hardik Pandya, who struggled as captain in the IPL 2024, now has his hands full. To get this team moving, he needs to lead from the front. Before the IPL 2025 mega auction, MI retained five players: Hardik, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.

So, half of the team was already established since they had the best and most dependable Indian core across all departments. MI has a large team to work with, and one hopes they do well this time around. This franchise also has a winning lineage and invests fanatics to look out for their performance in the tournament. That said, here are the strengths and weakness of the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians 2025 lineup.

Mumbai Indians 2025 IPL Squad: Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Allah Ghazanfar, Mitchell Santner, Ryan Rickelton, Reece Topley, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Bevon Jacobs, Ashwani Kumar, Krishnan Shrijith, Arjun Tendulkar, Lizaad Williams, Vignesh Puthur.

2 Strengths:

A versatile pace-attack

Mumbai Indians have already kept Jasprit Bumrah before the auction, and they have now added Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar to their roster. These three bowlers can swing the new ball, especially given the advantageous swing conditions of the stadium by the Marine Drive.

Bumrah and Boult were adept at bowling in the final overs, delivering the four overs assured and promised. However, with Boult, Chahar, and Hardik Pandya, Mumbai's pace lineup for the forthcoming season has improved significantly. To sum it up as a whole, Mumbai Indians currently possess the best pace bowling attack amongst all the sides for the upcoming 2025 edition. 

The perfect and robust batting core

The Mumbai Indians have a dream batting lineup, mainly owing to their strong domestic campaigners' foundation. MI's powerful Indian batting trio, which includes Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav, is undoubtedly one of the finest in the game. In terms of pure talent and match-winning qualities, no other club comes close, and that is the Mumbai Indians' greatest strength.

Rohit's aggressive style at the top, paired with Suryakumar and Tilak Varma's middle-order exploits, will be advantageous in the games. In addition, they have the in-form English power-hitter Will Jacks, developing Proteas batter Ryan Rickelton, and wicketkeeper batter Robin Minz to assist in reinforcing the top and middle orders.

1 Weakness:

The usual business of lacking a strong spinner

One of the Mumbai Indians' principal vulnerabilities going into IPL 2025 is a lack of good spin options. While they have signed overseas spinners like Mitchell Santner and Allah Ghazanfar, Santner has had few opportunities in the IPL thus far, while Ghazanfar is fresh to the tournament.

This means MI will be highly reliant on the overseas spinners. Karn Sharma is the sole Indian spinner in the team, although he is expected to sit on the bench. With no other Indian spin options available, Mumbai may struggle, especially on spin-friendly pitches, making this a source of concern for the franchise.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have made a bold approach to end their lengthy wait for their first title by assembling a well-balanced roster under new head coach Ricky Ponting. With the biggest purse of INR 110.5 Crores in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, PBKS made numerous high-profile, costly and tactical deals. Keeping important players like Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, the franchise has addressed vital areas like top-order batting, finishers, and death-over experts.

With a new strategy and clever additions, PBKS is ready for a potential IPL 2025 season, hoping to break its pattern of unreliability and win its first-ever coveted title. As it implies, it is no surprise that they are one of the favourites to emerge victorious for the forthcoming title. That said, here we look at the two strengths and one weakness of the newest version of the Punjab Kings squad.

Punjab Kings 2025 IPL Squad: Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Kuldeep Sen, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, Pyla Avinash, Pravin Dubey.

2 Strengths:

Shreyas Iyer

As the title says it all, no sugarcoating and just cutting to the chase, Shreyas Iyer is the vital strength aspect that Punjab Kings possesses for the 2025 edition of the tournament. After releasing almost everyone from their previous squad, their higher purse value and tactical strategies have given them a chance to completely renovate their team, with Shreyas Iyer's acquisition as the captain being the foundation stone of it.

Whether clinching titles in the domestic circuit for the Mumbai Cricket Team or leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third-ever IPL title, Iyer could convert the dream of the Punjab Kings winning an IPL title into a reality. His impeccable performance with the willow and abilities to bolster the top and middle order is the icing on the cake. It will be interesting to see how the side's colossal INR 26.75 Crore investment in him would be a game-changing move for the team ever since its inception.

Star-studded lineup across all departments

Punjab Kings is a franchise that spent a hefty on several overseas and emerging players in the previous IPL auctions. Though many of them couldn't convert it into valuable performances and ended up on the losing side, this time,e it's been different. With robust intent and valid tactical aspects, Punjab Kings has undergone significant restructuring in a king-size way.

The Punjab Kings' bowling squad, including IPL's leading wicket-taker, Yuzvendra Chahal, reliable wicket-taker Arshdeep Singh the tall and dangerous Marco Jansen, and Kiwi quick Lockie Ferguson, demonstrates their versatility and strength. Also, under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis and Shashank Singh are key players who will most likely bat in the middle order for the side as they go all guns blazing with the bat, where we can expect some high-scoring innings.

1 Weakness:

Limited reliable emerging and domestic campaigners

The Punjab Kings have a good foundation of elite international players and a robust lineup of Indian talent. However, their bench aspect across all the departments is questionable. They lack seasoned domestic Indian players with a successful IPL record. While players like Vishnu Vinod, Nehal Wadhera, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Musheer Khan show potential in the IPL ecosystem, they have yet to influence and impact the competition significantly.

This lack of experience in the backup-hitting lineup might be an issue if their key batters are injured or out of form. In the absence of competent domestic alternatives, the Punjab Kings may struggle to find adequate choices in critical moments, perhaps exposing their batting depth.