ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 3 Unlucky Indian Players Who Missed Out

India’s 15 member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was announced on January 18, and while the team boosts a strong lineup, a few big names missed out on selection. These players have been in remarkable form recently and can consider themselves unlucky. Here’s a look at three such players:

1. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj’s A large number of fans didn't think Mohammed Siraj would be left out, but he was. Mister Siraj has been very good at dismissing players in cricket since 2023. Siraj got 47 players out, and only one person, Kuldeep Yadav, got more than him.He got 53 people out. But the selectors who decide who plays picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh to be the main fast bowlers for the important games instead of Siraj.

To swing the ball both ways and deliver in high pressure situations has been a key factor in India’s success across formats. His performances in the last two years made a strong case for inclusion, but the competition for places in the squad proved too stiff. While Siraj’s absence is a blow to his fans, it underscores the depth of India’s pace bowling resources.

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2. Karun Nair

Everyone thought Karun Nair would play in the Champions Trophy because he did very well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Before the major last event, he got an average of 752 runs, which is really good. In only seven times at bat, he made five major100's and one 50. The people choosing the players saw his doing very well and couldn't ignore him.

However, as chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained, finding a spot in a star studded Indian batting lineup is no easy task. “You look at the guys who have been picked, all average well in excess of mid 40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15,” Agarkar said. While Nair’s exclusion is unfortunate, it highlights the immense competition for spots in the Indian team.

3. Sanju Samson

Fans are surprised that Sanju Samson is not playing, because he's really proficient at changing his approach for different times in a match. Sanju is famous for being able to play carefully, like at the No. 3 spot, or be the best hitter at the No. 6 spot. In a game in 2023 against South Africa, he obtained 100 runs all by himself. Also he's made 510 runs in 16 of those one-day games, and that includes getting more than 50 runs three times and that one time he got 100 runs.

In T20Is, Samson’s record is equally commendable, with 810 runs in 37 matches, featuring three centuries and a fifty. Notably, two of these centuries came in a T20I series against South Africa, underlining his ability to perform in challenging conditions. Despite his stellar credentials, the selectors chose to go with other options, leaving many fans and experts questioning the decision.

Mohammed Siraj, Karun Nair, and Sanju Samson didn't get to be on the Champions Trophy team because there are so many other talented players in India. This shows that cricket in India is clearly utterly tough and difficult and full of great players. Even though it's sad they aren't playing now, they are strong and probably will come back even better. Today, we are all looking at the players who did get to go as the team gets ready for the important ICC Champions Trophy 2025.