Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to rest Babar Azam ahead of Pakistan's second Test clash against West Indies starting on January 25. The host nation went on to register a crushing win by a margin of 127 runs but the star Pakistani batter endured a lean patch scoring just eight and five on a difficult Multan surface. With the Champions Trophy lined up around the corner, Pakistan have a lot to play for and the 50-year-old feels that Babar should be kept fresh so that he can hit the ground running during the marquee event.

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Basit advises PCB to rest Babar in the ongoing West Indies Test series

With South Africa and Australia booking their spots for the World Championship Finale, the ongoing two-match Test series between Pakistan and West Indies is nothing but a dead rubber. Pakistan has remotely no chance of making it to the top summit and Basit finds the ploy to play Babar in this dead rubber baffling.

“Pakistan is ruining Babar’s confidence when he has found his rhythm. Pakistan are not going to qualify for the final of the WTC and Babar should be rested. If you want to keep him in the Playing XI, prepare good tracks.” 

Babar Azam previously found some form in the recently concluded Test series with South Africa where he showcased promising signs of returning to his fluent best. Basit does not want Babar's regained form to recede and also wants the PCB to prepare good batting tracks for him should they decide to persist with him.

Basit also advises rest for Rizwan 

Apart from Babar, Basit also advises Pakistan's white-ball skipper Mohammed Rizwan to rest for the remainder of the Test series. Rizwan has been a class act for Pakistan in the white-ball format. The crafty wicket-keeper batsman has been amongst the runs of late and has been immensely revered by the cricketing fraternity in Pakistan for his marvelous achievements ever since he assumed the captaincy role in October last year.

“Not only Babar but Mohammad Rizwan should also be rested before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If the pitch is similar to the first Test, their confidence will go down. Babar struggled in the first Test. He found his lost form in South Africa and scored runs in ODIs and Tests.”

Former star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on Shubhman Gill's recent appointment as India's vice-captain for the upcoming Champions Trophy starting in February. The veteran now-retired spinner calls the move a "forward-thinking" move from the BCCI. Ashwin further stresses that such an elevation in the ranks will further secure his spot in the team. 

See also: Ind vs Eng 1st T20I 2025: Team India's probable XI for 1st T20I

Ashwin shares his takeaways on his YouTube channel

Gill's role as Team India's vice-captain in the upcoming Champions Trophy also means that the youngster can be further groomed as a future leader across formats. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin appreciates the move from the BCCI and believes that the board is looking ahead. 

“Think about who else in the current squad could be considered for the vice-captain role. I’m not saying whether the decision to make Shubman Gill vice-captain is right or wrong, but it’s clear that the management is looking ahead. He was the vice-captain in the last series too, and I believe he has some vice-captaincy experience in Tests as well."

In addition, Ashwin also believes that Gill has prior vice-captaincy experience which could come in handy in his newly assumed role.

Axar Patel named the T20I vice-captain for India

While Gill has filled the vice-captain slot for India in the ODI format, Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel has been awarded the same position in the T20I setup. Ashwin highlighted that this move is considered highly stable given Gill's established position in the team.

“Both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul could play in the XI, but the management has opted for a player whose spot is secure. If Shubman Gill is groomed for leadership, he can lean on the guidance of senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah."

However, the Indian legend is not impressed by the overall Indian squad handpicked for the forthcoming Champions Trophy edition. He feels that there is a strong resemblance with the 2023 ODI World Cup squad which underperformed at the last hurdle. The lack of left-handers in the top seven and the absence of a reliable batting option at No. 8 have left the start spinner visibly concerned. 

"It Hurts, But I Accept It": Suryakumar Yadav on Champions Trophy Snub, Eyes On T20I format

Suryakumar Yadav, who is unfathomably proficient at T20 cricket and the captain of Team India in T20 Format, is potentially amenable to not being picked for the Champions Trophy team. Surya  wholly invested in leading India in the five T20I games against England that start on Wednesday, even though he won't be playing in the champions trophy.

Suryakumar( SKY) , spoke honestly about how being left out does sting a bit. surya  said it would obviously bother him because if he had played better, he would've made the group. But since he didn't, he's quite accepting of accepting that. surya  also thinks the team chosen for the Champions Trophy is solid because those players have been conjoining it in ODIs for India. The group is looking top rate, he said, recognizing the players who got selected. Then, to explain the details on why he might not have been picked, it is certainly obvious that his ODI game hasn't been as amazing as his T20 skills. In 37 ODI matches, he's only scored 773 runs, which averages out to 25.76 per game, not demonstrating the full extent of his talents.

Suryakumar Yadav said "If I do well, I would have been in Champions Trophy - if I don't do well, it's important to accept that - if you see the squad, its looking really good, they are all good performers - I am very happy for them - it hurts to think that I have not done well - if I had done well, I would have stayed there"

ALSO READ: BCCI Questions Sanju Samson's Commitment: “Why Didn’t You Join the Camp If KCA Asked You To?”

Suryakumar thinks that having Bumrah and Shami around is a major plus for India's chances. Surya remembered how amazing they were in the 2023 ODI World Cup and is hoping they'll be victorious in the Champions Trophy too. It's a bit unclear why, but Jasprit Bumrah can't play in the T20I series against England because of back troubles since the Sydney Test. Still, Suryakumar is staying positive about seeing Bumrah team with Shami in the Champions Trophy. It may seem odd, but the T20I series against England is also a chance for Suryakumar to show what he can do and try hard to keep his place in the ODI team. Mister Yadav's really set on helping the team win and making completely certain he's chosen again.

Sanju Samson was not selected for the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, announced on 18th January at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. This news came as a surprise, especially after his excellent performances in T20 cricket. Despite his strong form in the T20 format, with a century in the Bangladesh T20 series and two consecutive centuries in the South Africa T20 series, Samson was not included in the squad. Many had expected him to be named due to his recent form, but his omission raised questions.

Also Read: Steve Smith sustains an injury to his elbow ahead of the Sri Lanka Tour

Samson had played in the Bangladesh T20 series first, followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led his home team, Kerala. After that, he participated in the South Africa T20 series. Given the tight schedule, Samson decided to rest before the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, as he felt this would allow him to perform better in the 50-over format. However, during this rest period, Kerala's state team had a camp to prepare for the Vijay Hazare Trophy season, and Samson chose not to join the camp. This decision led to his exclusion from the state team, which became a point of controversy.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary, Vinod S. Kumar, clarified the situation, stating that Samson had informed them via email that he would not be available for the camp. The team held a short camp in Wayanad without him, and naturally, only players who were part of the camp were considered for selection. This led to no further discussion with Samson on the matter.

Samson's absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy was a key issue. According to the new guidelines, players are expected to play domestic cricket if not on national duty. Samson's decision to skip the tournament did not sit well with the BCCI selectors, and reports suggested that the BCCI was unhappy with his casual approach.

BCCI Asks Samson About His Absence from Vijay Hazare

In this matter, the BCCI not only spoke to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) but also directly engaged with Sanju Samson. According to reports, the BCCI asked Samson why he chose not to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Samson's response was that he had informed the KCA that he would not be joining the camp, as he felt the Kerala board had not required his presence. The BCCI, however, was not satisfied with this explanation.

BCCI’s Response to Samson's Explanation

The BCCI emphasized the new rules, which require players to participate in domestic cricket if they are not on national duty. They were concerned that Samson's decision to skip the camp went against the spirit of these regulations, especially considering that the Vijay Hazare Trophy was an important opportunity for him to prove himself in the 50-over format.

Samson’s Defense of His Actions

Later, in this conversation, Samson reportedly responded to the BCCI, explaining that in the past, when he had not joined the camp, the board had still selected him. He thought the same would happen this time. However, the BCCI found this response even more casual and irresponsible.

The BCCI was disappointed with Samson's casual attitude towards domestic cricket and his failure to join the Kerala camp. His actions were viewed as irresponsible, especially in light of the new rules emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket. This, in turn, led to his omission from the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Also Watch: Coldplay's Chris Martin Gives a Shoutout to Jasprit Bumrah at Mumbai Concert

The BCCI's stance is clear: they now emphasize that players should participate in domestic cricket, as it helps with their overall performance and development. Samson's failure to join the camp and his casual approach to the Vijay Hazare Trophy cost him a spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. His omission highlights the consequences of not adhering to the expectations set by the board.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer on Prithvi Shaw: Talent Alone Won’t Work, He Needs to Focus on His Work Ethic

Samson is currently part of the T20 series against England, which began on 22nd January, and is seen as a regular opener in the T20 side. However, his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad continues to be a major talking point.

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.

Shami’s Intense Training Marks Key Step in Comeback Ahead of England T20I Series

Mohammed Shami, after a long break from playing for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, was fully committed at Kolkata's first training session for the T20I series against England, beginning on January 22. To concentrate on the main point, Shami had his knee taped but didn't let that stop him. Mister Shami tried very hard, bowling for more than an hour while Morne Morkel, the bowling coach, kept an eye on every move.

Despite being ready to play after getting over ankle surgery, Shami missed out on the Border-Gavaskar Test series because his knee was swollen. Getting into what happened at the practice, Shami didn't waste time. Mister Shami started with marking his spot on the pitch and began warming up on a half run  for 20 minutes before moving to his full run up, where openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were waiting to face him. Besides bowling, he even worked on fielding, grasping some catches under the watchful eyes of fielding coach T Dilip and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Shami, being 34, is looking to be the top man leading India's pace attack against England in the T20I and ODI series. Everyone's eyes are on his fitness, which has been shaky for over a year.

ALSO READ: Australia tour of Sri Lanka all details: Where to watch, squad update

He's BACK 💪🏻

Team India 🇮🇳
Mohd. Shami 😎
Eden Gardens 🏟️

Just perfect 👌🏻#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @MdShami11 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/PwCuEOcaDA

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 20, 2025

How fit he is will be vitally important for the Champions Trophy starting from February 19 . The matches against England are a way to test if Shami's ready and in good shape for that important event. To conclude this statement, Mohammed Shami, stepping up at training in Kolkata, tells us he's dead serious about getting back into the game strong, after not playing internationally for a bit. Even with the entire knee issue in the past, his effort and improvement show he's on track to be the main man for India in bowling against England. How well he does could really help India figure things out for the Champions Trophy and prove he's really valuable, or should I say, a  cricket star in the cricket world.

Mohammed Shami Career Stats

Bowling

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)

Shreyas Iyer said about his Favorite Knock from the 2023 ODI World Cup

Shreyas Iyer is a cricket player on Team India. Mr. Iyer liked his game against Sri Lanka the most when he scored fifty runs. That game was in 2023 ODI World Cup, and it happened at Wankhede Stadium. Now he's preparing to play three  ODIs against England. Then, he will be ready for 2025 when there's the Champions Trophy. Iyer played a crucial role in India's dominant total of 357/8, scoring 82 runs at a blistering strike rate of 146.63, which included six sixes. His knock came at a time when there was mounting pressure on him to retain his spot in the playing XI.

"The 82 against Sri Lanka was special because there was a lot of talk about dropping me from the squad. Even though I had scored a fifty against Pakistan, the speculation around my place in the team put me in a helter skelter situation. That kind of talk fueled my determination," Iyer said during the Idea Exchange session with The Indian Express. India went on to register a commanding 302 run victory in that match, bundling out Sri Lanka for just 55 runs and extending their unbeaten run in the tournament. Despite a shaky start in the tournament, where he registered a three ball duck against Australia, Iyer made a strong comeback with two fifties and two centuries in the latter stages of the group phase, finishing with an impressive tally of 530 runs at an average of 66.25.

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Addressing the criticism he faced during the World Cup, Iyer admitted that external opinions could sometimes be frustrating. "It’s irritating, especially when people who have never faced deliveries at 150 km per hour give advice on how to play. But I understand that everyone has their opinion. They have the right to discuss, but they should keep it among themselves and not direct it at the player," he added. Throughout his career, Iyer has faced scrutiny over his ability to handle short-pitched deliveries. His frustration with constant questioning on the subject was evident during a press conference following his standout performance against Sri Lanka.

"The 82 against Sri Lanka. Because there was a lot of talk about dropping me from the squad, and that I’m not providing much for the team. Even though I had scored a 50 against Pakistan, there was some talk which put me in a helter-skelter situation. That kind of (talk) boosted my instincts from within," Iyer said during Idea Exchange .

Overcoming Injury Setbacks by Shreyas Iyer

Iyer got badly injured in his back while playing cricket in the Border-Gavaskar trophy. He even had to go to the hospital to undergo surgery in April 2023 to fix it. Because his back continued to ache, it was really tough for him, and it was the hardest moment in his job of playing cricket. He couldn't play in all the important IPL cricket games or the World Test Championship final because of his injury. "The toughest phase was my back injury. When I underwent surgery, I thought it would completely change my body. It was difficult to regain the same level of agility and fitness I had before. But after a year, I feel comfortable and strong, and I believe I can achieve what I intended to before the surgery," Iyer said.

"It’s irritating, especially when it comes from people, who haven’t faced 150 km per hour delivery, advising you to play in a particular way. But I would say it is their opinion. They have all the right to talk, but they can talk between themselves not to the player directly," Iyer added.

His road to recovery saw him return to the Indian squad during the 2023 Asia Cup, where he made an impactful comeback and contributed significantly to the team's success.As India prepares for the upcoming ODI series against England, Iyer will be keen to continue his good form and solidify his place in the squad ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

"The toughest phase was my back injury. When I underwent surgery, I thought this was completely going to change my body. And it was kind of difficult to come back into the same zone and agility that I had before the surgery. After a year, now I feel very comfortable and I feel strong that I can do basically what I intended to before the surgery," Iyer said .

Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj, who has just been excluded from India's ODI squad for the England series and the Champions Trophy, will also miss the upcoming Ranji Trophy match.

He is likely to miss Hyderabad’s match against Himachal Pradesh on January 23rd, report says due to workload he (Mohammed Siraj) won’t be able to play the upcoming match of Ranji but will feature in the final group game against Vidarbha. 

According to reports, a Hyderabad Cricket Association official said, “He has some workload concerns so will not play the first game, But will play the last game of final group vs Vidarbha”. 

Why was Siraj not picked up for the Champions Trophy squad?

Despite playing a recent test series - the Border Gavaskar Trophy and top-ranked ODI bowler in the ICC ranking chart, Siraj didn’t make himself in the Champions Trophy. Since 2023, he has taken 47 wickets in the 50-over format.

Also Read: Watch: Captain Rohit Sharma assures India's best attempt to win ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Nevertheless, Indian captain Rohit Sharma doesn’t believe in Siraj's potential as he said in a recent press conference with selector Ajit Agarkar. 

He said. "Siraj's effectiveness comes down when the ball gets older".

So, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar decided to select Arshdeep Singh instead of Mohammed Siraj. 

On Saturday, January 18, the Indian cricket team announced its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will begin on February 19, along with the team for the three-match ODI series against England from February 6 to 12. However, one decision in particular caught everyone’s attention: the appointment of Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of the team.

This announcement sparked heated discussions, especially after Dainik Jagran reported that a serious argument had taken place during the squad selection meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. The meeting, which was supposed to wrap up by 12:30 PM, went on for over two hours longer than planned. The delay reportedly happened due to disagreements over who should be named vice-captain. Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar pushed for Shubman Gill, seeing him as a potential future leader for Indian cricket. On the other hand, head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly backed Hardik Pandya for the role, emphasizing Pandya’s leadership skills and proven track record.

Gautam gambhir want hardik pandya as vice captain because of his performance in white ball cricket in recent time, he always choose players according to merit.

But there is rohit sharma who wants to control team that's why he always priorities his favorite players. pic.twitter.com/gIWcY4bmIE

— Ankit⁶⁴ (@TeamYashasvi) January 19, 2025

No one deserves ODI & T20I captaincy more than hardik pandya, BCCI and Rohit playing cheap politics again with him.

Now Rohit makes sure that hardik will not captain indian side in future. unreal politics just becoz hardik sacked him from IPL captaincy. pic.twitter.com/RsghSnIhW7

— Kevin (@imkevin149) January 19, 2025

The controversy gained more traction when fans started linking the debate to past IPL events. During the 2024 IPL season, Hardik Pandya had taken over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians from Rohit Sharma. This led to speculation that personal issues between Rohit and Pandya might have influenced the decision at the selection meeting. Many accused Rohit of letting IPL dynamics interfere with national team decisions, while others believed promoting Gill was the right move for India’s future.

Also Read: Watch: Coldplay's Chris Martin Gives a Shoutout to Jasprit Bumrah at Mumbai Concert

Hardik Pandya, once seen as the next leader of the Indian cricket team, rose to prominence by leading the Gujarat Titans to the IPL final in 2022 and clinching the title in 2023. His leadership potential earned him the vice-captaincy in both ODIs and T20Is, where he successfully led India during Rohit Sharma’s absence. Despite being vice-captain during India's victorious T20 World Cup campaign in June 2024, his poor performance as captain in the 2024 IPL and other factors led to his sudden exclusion from the leadership group.

Also Read: Steve Smith sustains an injury to his elbow ahead of the Sri Lanka Tour

Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20 Internationals, the obvious choice for leadership seemed to be Hardik Pandya, given his previous experience and success. However, in a surprising move, Hardik was replaced by Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain, with Axar Patel stepping in as vice-captain. Additionally, Shubman Gill was appointed as the ODI vice-captain under Rohit Sharma's leadership. This unexpected change has left Pandya entirely out of the picture.

There has also been significant discussion around the exclusion of Karun Nair and Sanju Samson from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Karun Nair, who had an exceptional Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 season with 752 runs in 7 innings, including 5 centuries at a staggering average of 389.5, was surprisingly overlooked. Similarly, Sanju Samson's exclusion has sparked debates comparing his performances to Rishabh Pant’s.