Within 9 months, Team India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, uplifted the ICC T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. Now, BCCI and Team India are preparing for another World Cup and other upcoming ICC events. Prior to this, the board can take several decisions that can make a long-term impact on the Men in Blue Brigade.

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A recent media report suggests BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia is likely to meet head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief of selectors Ajit Agarkar, though it is unclear whether this possible meeting will be official or on a personal stance. Saikia, Agarkar, and Gambhir can hold their discussion on March 30 in Guwahati, the scheduled date for the Rajasthan Royals vs. Chennai Super Kings clash at the Barsapara stadium.

The report further claimed that the BCCI apex committee held a discussion table on the 22nd, the day marked for the inauguration day for IPL 2025. BCCI is yet to make a decision about the central contract, where a lot of changes can be seen. Not only that, officials can make some bold steps about staff reshuffle during the possible meeting between Saikia, Agarkar, and Gambhir on March 30. Gambhir has started his journey as the team India head coach with bowling coach Morne Morkel, Rayn Ten Doeschate (assistant coach), and Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach).

Other staff, like T. Dilip, who is the fielding coach of the men's team, and many others in the staff room, have been associated with the team for a long time. It is speculated that BCCI can take crucial decisions about staff reshuffle to allow some fresh air in the team.

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)

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Quip at Champions Trophy Press Conference Goes Viral

cricket fans are speaking a lot about the important 2025 Champions Trophy, but not because of which players are playing or the game plans. After they told everyone which players were going to be in the tournament, Rohit Sharma, who is the captian of India's OneDay and Test cricket for india, said something extremely funny that caused everyone to laugh.

On January 18, Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the media to reveal the India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England and the much anticipated Champions Trophy. While the conference largely revolved around questions on player selection, exclusions, and strategies, it ended on an unexpectedly humorous note.

As the duo wrapped up the session, a moment caught on camera went viral. Rohit, visibly relieved the press conference had concluded, turned to Agarkar and quipped, “Yaar BC ekdum boring tha PC (Man, the press conference was absolutely boring).” The light hearted remark left fans and social media abuzz, with many appreciating Rohit’s down to earth personality and sense of humor.

“Yaar BC ekdum boring tha PC (Press conference) [Man, the press conference was absolutely boring]."

Rohit to ajit agarkar:

Yaar benc#od ek dum boring tha press conference 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/HJf7GI2jDK

— ADITYA (@140OldTrafford) January 18, 2025

Fans React to the Viral Moment

A large number of cricket fans saw the video on the Internet very quickly, and they started sharing it on places such as Facebook and Instagram. People liked what Rohit said and thought it was acceptable that he was being honest when things were tough. They said good words about him because he was just being himself.

One fan commented, “This is why we love Rohit Sharma! He speaks his mind and keeps it genuine.” Another added, “Rohit is not just a captain; he’s the entertainer we didn’t know we needed.”

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Rohit Sharma is the captian  of the India Cricket Team in all the ways they play, which means he has to be really responsible for the team. But, even with such a major job, he still behaves like everyone else and is kind. When people speak seriously about cricket, he often tells funny stories, which is acceptable and makes everyone feel more relaxed.

With India set to play England in the ODI series followed by their Champions Trophy campaign, all eyes are now on how Rohit and his squad perform on the field. But for now, his candid remark has given fans a reason to smile and proved once again why he remains one of the most beloved persons in Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar Arrive Late for Press Conference 

On Sunday, Rohit Sharma, who leads the India team, and Ajit Agarkar, who picks the players, were late over two hours to press conference for champions trophy squad announcement  in Mumbai. They were supposed to tell us who's going to play in the important games against England and the very popular Champions Trophy in 2025. But  they were so late, we were all waiting and extremely eager to hear what they would say!

As the two finally took their seats and adjusted their microphones, an intersting off the record moment between Rohit and Agarkar caught attention. In a hushed tone, Rohit was overheard sharing his concerns about the new guidelines introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding players’ families traveling with them. A video of the candid exchange quickly went viral on social media, with Rohit’s casual yet relatable comment sparking widespread interest. In his typical laid-back manner, Rohit leaned toward Agarkar and remarked, “I will have to sit (with the BCCI officials) for one or one and a half hours after this. Will have to sit with the secretary to discuss regarding all this family and all, all are saying to me.”

💀💀 pic.twitter.com/4nn17QKemt

— Priyanshu (@cricketwalaldka) January 18, 2025

The genuine comment showcased the human side of the captain, who is not only balancing on-field responsibilities but also managing concerns raised by his teammates about their families. The moment resonated with fans, reflecting the unique pressures cricketers face beyond the boundary. The delay and Rohit’s remarks added a touch of drama to the otherwise straightforward press conference. Once proceedings began, the focus shifted to cricket, with Agarkar and Rohit answering questions about team selections, strategies, and the road ahead. However, the viral snippet of their press conference conversation ensured that the day’s buzz extended beyond cricketing decisions. Fans on social media appreciated Rohit’s honesty and straight forwardness , with many praising him for addressing off-field concerns in his calm and composed manner. The moment served as a reminder of the captain’s role in bridging the gap between the team and the board, proving that leadership often extends beyond just the game.

ALSO READ: Reason behind dropping Mohammed Siraj from ODI squad revealed

Vice-Captain and Wicketkeeper Choices:  Discussions Behind the Scenes

There was a major discussion before press conference discussing who gets to be the vice captian for the team . They spoke a lot about the important choices they had to make. Gautam Gambhir really wants Hardik Pandya to be the assistant captain because he has captaincy skills and experience over the years  and might help the new young ones play better. But Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma think Shubman Gill should get the job because he is very good at playing and he could be a great leader later on.

Another point of contention was the selection of the team’s wicketkeeper. Gambhir pushed for the inclusion of Sanju Samson, arguing that he has technique and temperament make him a reliable choice. On the other hand, Agarkar and Rohit leaned towards Rishabh Pant, praising his explosiveness and match winning capabilities. These differing viewpoints highlighted the challenges of selecting a balanced team while accommodating diverse perspectives. While the final decisions were not disclosed during the conference, the intense discussions underscored the importance of finding the right combination for upcoming tournaments.

India squad for champions trophy:

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.

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

Former Indian pacer and present chairman of the BCCI’s men’s national selection committee, Ajit Agarkar became 47 years old on December 4, 2024. On his 47th birthday, we are going back to the memory when the right-arm pacer destroyed the Australian batting line-up and set a memorable Test win at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

It was the second Test of the four-match Test series between the hosts Australia and the visitors India in the 2003-04 season. After the Australian captain Steve Waugh chose to bat first, Australia scored 556 runs, thanks to Ricky Ponting’s double century (242). 

Dravid and Laxman rescued India

In reply, India were once struggling at 85/4 before Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman produced another unforgettable 303-run partnership for the fifth wicket. While Dravid scored 233 runs, Laxman scored 148 runs. India ultimately scored 523 runs before they were all out. 

Ajit Agarkar took six wickets

Australia started their second innings with a lead of 33 runs. While the fans were expecting a draw result in that Test match, Ajit Agarkar’s bowling performance stunned the cricket world. Before the lunch of the fourth day of that Adelaide Test, Agarkar dismissed the opener Justin Langer (10) and Ricky Ponting (0). While Ponting scored a double-century in the first innings, Langer scored a half-century in that innings. 

Later, Ashish Nehra and Anil Kumble took one wicket each, while Sachin Tendulkar picked up two wickets in his seven balls. Then, Agarkar destroyed the late batting orders, as the right-arm pacer picked up four wickets in his four overs. He dismissed Andy Bichel (1), Simon Katich (31), Jason Gillespie (3), and Stuart McGill (1).

India won the Adelaide Test by four wickets

After picking up two wickets in the first innings of the Test match, Agarkar finished the third innings with the bowling figures of 16.2-2-41-6. His destructive bowling resulted in Australia being bundled out for 196 runs. Although the 230-run target wasn’t easy for the visitors India in the fourth innings, Rahul Dravid once again batted strongly and got support from the other end to claim a historic four-wicket win. Dravid ended the game with the winning boundary and remained not out for 72 runs. 

While Dravid deservingly won the Player of the Match award, Agarkar’s contribution was equally important to that historic victory. It was Agarkar’s only Test five-wicket haul as he claimed 58 wickets in 26 Tests. 

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) brings together the best players from Australia and India for a highly anticipated Test series. Several players have made their mark on the rivalry's history with match-winning performances over the years.

Regarding bowling, various notable bowlers from India and Australia have turned the contest around throughout the years in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Here's a list of the top five memorable bowling displays by the Indian roster in the down under, through the timelines of this highly acclaimed bilateral red-ball series.

Kapil Dev: 8/106 in Adelaide 1985-86

Kapil Dev's 8/106 in the 1985 Adelaide Test is still the finest Test bowling performance by an Indian bowler in Australia. Kapil bowled with remarkable control against a rigid Australian batting order, limiting them to just 381 runs in the first innings. He was known for his accurate seam movement and swing bowling, which made Australian hitters nervous.

The furious fast bowler removed practically every Australian batter and stood out for a solitary performance that placed India in a position to win the Test. Despite India taking the lead with a commanding 520/10 as a response, the match finished in a tie, with Kapil named the man of the match.

Anil Kumble: 8/141 in Sydney 2003-04

Anil Kumble was famed for his never-say-die mentality, and his 8/141 spell in Sydney in 2004 demonstrates his perseverance. Bowling on a flat Sydney field, Australia had already scored a staggering 474 in response to India's 705. Kumble's spell came on a track that gave nothing to the bowlers, but he still made an impression.

He broke vital partnerships and continued to chip away at Australia's batting order. While the game ended in a tie, Kumble's eight wickets were the most important in preventing Australia from running away with it. His performance demonstrated his ability to bear the brunt of India's bowling assault, particularly in difficult international circumstances.

Ajit Agarkar: 6/41 in Adelaide 2003-04

Ajit Agarkar recorded a career-best performance of 6 for 41 in the 2003 Adelaide Test, which proved crucial in India's memorable four-wicket victory. His wickets included Ricky Ponting, whose departure for a duck was critical in shattering the opposition's resistance.

Agarkar's famous session is sometimes overlooked by Rahul Dravid's superb 233 in the same game, but it was his bowling that secured India's rare overseas victory.

Also Read: Top 5 Indian Batting Innings from the BGT played in Australia

Mohammed Siraj: 5/73 in Brisbane 2020-21

Mohammed Siraj's 5/73 in Australia's second innings was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, coming in only his third outing. Siraj, despite having little experience, led an injury-depleted Indian bowling attack that lacked seasoned bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin and up to the task by bowling with control and aggressiveness.

Siraj's success came despite personal sadness, as he had lost his father during the tour but elected to remain in Australia to serve on national service. Siraj's accomplishment reflected India's perseverance and depth. Siraj's victory exemplified India's squad's tenacity and depth throughout the victorious 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign. 

Jasprit Bumrah: 6/33 in Melbourne 2018-19

In 2018, Jasprit Bumrah led India to their first-ever victory in a Boxing Day Test Down Under. The right-arm seamer took 6/33 as Australia were bowled out for 151 in response to India's 443/7 declaration. This spell contained everything. There were seamed-up deliveries, bouncers, yorkers, and Shaun Marsh's famed slow yorker.

This display of "complete fast bowling" by the world-class seamer who deserved to seal the first rank of the bowlers' roster at that time. These are still the best Test figures by an Indian at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Bumrah also took three wickets in the 2nd innings, with Australia failing to chase 399.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has joined a growing chorus of former cricketers questioning the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as India’s new T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. Despite Hardik’s impressive credentials, including leading the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title and serving as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, the BCCI opted for Suryakumar Yadav. This decision has sparked widespread debate within the cricketing community.

BCCI’s bold captaincy decision

The BCCI’s choice of Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain came as a surprise to many, especially given Hardik Pandya’s leadership experience and success in the IPL. Hardik was widely expected to succeed Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited fitness concerns as the primary reason for preferring Suryakumar for the captaincy role. Agarkar’s statement has led to mixed reactions, with some agreeing with the focus on fitness and others questioning the justification.

“No, here they (the claims) just hand him a certificate saying he isn’t fit and there are concerns about his fitness. There are plenty of players who weren’t super fit but still became great captains. So, I think it was just an excuse. Because if Surya wasn’t around, then Rishabh (Pant) would have been the captain since you have to look at the future,” Latif said.

Additionally, Hardik Pandya lost his T20I vice-captaincy to the young and promising Shubman Gill. The selection committee explained that this decision was part of their strategy to groom young players for future leadership roles.

Rashid Latif’s criticism

Rashid Latif, known for his outspoken opinions, has openly criticized the BCCI’s reasoning. Latif dismissed the fitness concerns as mere excuses for bypassing Hardik Pandya for the captaincy. He argued that if fitness is genuinely an issue, the selectors should provide an unfit certificate for Hardik. Latif’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about the decision-making process within the BCCI.

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In a press conference held before India’s departure for the Sri Lanka tour, Ajit Agarkar addressed the media, reiterating that fitness played a significant role in the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya.

“Hardik’s skill-sets are difficult to find and fitness is difficult to find. we have got a bit more time and we can look at a few things. Fitness was a clear challenge and we wanted someone who was likely to be available more often,” Agarkar said.

“We have taken general feedback from the dressing room also,” he added.

Despite this explanation, the debate continues, with many former players and fans expressing their dissatisfaction with the BCCI’s choice.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya saw his world turn upside down as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. Expected to be named the team’s new T20I captain after the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Pandya faced a surprising turn of events with the new management structure.

Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, had different plans, handing the T20I leadership to Suryakumar Yadav, while Shubman Gill was named vice-captain.

Gambhir and Agarkar’s influence

Reports suggest that Gambhir’s arrival as head coach played a significant role in this decision. Unconvinced by Hardik’s consistency and fitness, Gambhir preferred Suryakumar for the captaincy role. A report from PTI also highlighted that Chief Selector Agarkar had doubts about Hardik’s tactical awareness, a crucial attribute for successful captaincy.

“Gambhir’s entry as India’s head coach obviously put a spanner in Pandya’s national captaincy prospects,” the PTI report stated. “Even the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar wasn’t completely convinced that he is tactically as sound as one expects an international skipper to be.”

The road ahead for Pandya

Pandya’s leadership ambitions have faced a massive roadblock. However, in cricket, it isn’t over till the last ball is bowled. To keep his captaincy dreams alive and make a point, Hardik needs to deliver a terrific performance in the Sri Lanka T20Is. Additionally, he can’t rely solely on international games; he will have to play domestic cricket to improve his below-par international appearance percentage of 50 percent across the two white-ball formats over the last 19 months.

See Also: Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, Match 04: Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets – Cricket Winner

To remain in contention for the Champions Trophy next year, Pandya must participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Baroda in December. Indian cricket is always full of twists and turns, and Hardik’s journey is far from over.

Outgoing batting coach Vikram Rathour from Team India recommended Rinku Singh’s inclusion in the Test squad. Rathour praised Rinku for his temperament, seeing him as a perfect fit for Test cricket.

During his time as Team India’s batting coach under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, Rathour closely watched Rinku’s progress. Despite Rinku’s success in white-ball cricket, particularly as a T20I finisher, Rathour believed he possessed the skills and technical prowess needed for Test cricket.

“One of the players to have moved up the ladder in the past two seasons is Rinku Singh, who has played two ODIs and 20 T20Is, but can’t be called a regular in the national side yet. He is a fantastic finisher in short-format cricket, but also averages 54.70 after 69 first-class innings,” Rathour told PTI, 

From IPL star to international debut

Rinku became well known during IPL 2023 and played his first international T20 matches against Ireland last year. He also started playing ODIs during the series against South Africa in December 2023.

Although Rinku didn’t secure a spot in Team India’s 15 member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, he traveled as a reserve player, sparking disappointment among fans and experts. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that omitting Rinku was a tough decision for the committee.

Rathour’s vision for Rinku in Tests

Rathour highlighted that while Rinku has made a name for himself in T20Is, he envisioned the batter thriving in Test cricket as well.

“When I see him bat in nets, I can’t find any technical reasons why Rinku cannot be a successful Test batter,” Rathour said. “I understand he has made his name as a terrific finisher in T20 cricket, but if you look at his first-class record, he is averaging in high 50s.

“He is also blessed with a very calm temperament. So all these factors indicate that, if given an opportunity, he can develop into a Test cricketer.”

In his T20I 20 appearances, Rinku has scored 416 runs at a strike rate of 176.27, including two fifties. It remains to be seen if he will receive an opportunity in Test cricket in the future.