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)

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.

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

Karnataka vs Vidarbha: Key Details for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 Final

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 has reached its finishing stage after an exciting series of matches. The much anticipated final will see Karnataka face Vidarbha in a battle for the title. Here's everything you need to know about the big match, including the schedule, venue, and live streaming details.

In their semi-final clash, Vidarbha delivered a dominant performance against Maharashtra. Karun Nair was the star of the match, smashing an incredible 88 runs off just 44 balls, featuring 9 fours and 5 sixes. His explosive innings helped Vidarbha post a massive total of 380 runs. Maharashtra, in response, managed only 311 runs, falling short of the target. Nair's outstanding form in the tournament has been a game-changer for Vidarbha, with 752 runs to his name so far, making him one of the key reasons for the team’s success.

Karnataka, on the other hand, secured their spot in the final with an impressive victory over Haryana. This marks Karnataka’s fifth appearance in a Vijay Hazare Trophy final, showcasing their consistent performance throughout the tournament.  

ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik reasons why in-form Karun Nair can't be added to Indian ODI team

VHT Final Match Details:

When and Where to Watch KAR vs VID:

Reliance Stadium Pitch Report:

Official Umpires for Match:

KAR vs VID Squads:

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has come up with his feelings about in-form Karun Nair’s chance for the Indian national cricket team in the upcoming ODIs, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The 33-year-old Indian cricketer Karun Nair is in dream form with the bat in the domestic One-Day tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. With the help of five centuries and one half-century, including four successive centuries, Nair is leading the most runs chart of the tournament with 752 in seven innings with an average of 752.00 and a strike rate of 125.96. His batting has helped Vidarbha reach the Final of the competition. 

In 2016, Nair made his ODI debut during the Zimbabwe tour and played only two ODIs, scoring seven and 39 runs. He also made his Test debut in the same year at Mohali, when England toured India. In his third Test innings, which was also his third Test, Nair recorded a triple century at Chennai as he scored 303 not out against England. After Virender Sehwag’s two triple centuries, Nair became the second Indian batter to record a triple hundred in Test cricket. However, he couldn’t reach 30 runs in the other six Test innings as the right-handed batter played his last Test against Australia at Dharamsala in March 2017. Soon, he was out of the limelight but returned this year with his unstoppable batting form in the 50-over format. 

Dinesh Karthik praised Nair for his outstanding form with the bat. Karthik also hailed another forgotten Indian Test opener Mayank Agarwal, who is the second-leading run-scorer in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 with 619 runs in nine innings (average 103.16), hitting four centuries and one half-century. Just like Vidarbha skipper Nair, the 33-year-old Karnataka captain Agarwal has also led his team to the tournament Final.

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It’s coming at a stage when the Indian ODI setup is almost ready to go: Dinesh Karthik

However, Karthik feels that it is too late for Nair and Agarwal, while the Indian team is set for their restart in the ODI format. 

Karthik told Cricbuzz, “Karun Nair, it’s been unreal to see the form that you’ve been in. Even Mayank Agarwal has been in some really good form. But the beauty is, it’s coming at a stage when the Indian ODI setup is almost ready to go. There can’t be too many changes.”.

“Yes, it’s very tempting to bring a Karun Nair into the setup, and I think he has earned the right to be part of the talks.”

I don’t think he’ll make it to the Champions Trophy squad: Dinesh Karthik about Karun Nair

Although Karthik doesn’t feel Nair’s presence in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19, he still hopes for the best result. 

The former Indian wicketkeeper-batter added, “But I don’t think he’ll make it to the Champions Trophy squad. But if he keeps going like this, why not? A form batter like that who plays fast and spin well, he’s a gun player, and I’m very happy for him.”

Age can play a major factor for Nair as the Indian team will grow to focus on the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, while he will be close to 36 years old.

Karun Nair's Resurgence: A Remarkable Return to Form and Selectors' Spotlight

Karun Nair's Remarkable Resurgence

Karun Nair is performing well in local cricket games, and now the people choosing players for the national team are really thinking scrupulously about him. It's very appropriate, especially when you ponder regarding how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli aren't doing their best in test matches these days and India is trying to find its way.

After being left out and going through times when nobody knew what would happen with his career, Nair's comeback has everyone excited about the chance he might get called back to play for the country again.

The Emotional Tweet and Journey Back

In December 2022, Nair was extremely unhappy and went on Twitter to ask for another shot at cricket, because the team had dropped him even though he scored 300 runs in a single game in 2016 against England. For the months that followed, he was fully committed, working utterly hard or diligently at Just Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

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He was mainly trying to raise his game and focus his mind for batting, especially since he wasn't getting to play any matches.

Karun Nair - The fighter!🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/OPDFiMdnTi

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) January 12, 2025

Dominating the Vijay Hazare Trophy

In the current Vijay Hazare Trophy, Nair is doing a great job by scoring unbeaten runs everywhere. He's put up some anomalous numbers, including hitting five centuries in a row, which is extremely unusual for List A cricket. His scores have been 112, 44, 163, 111, 112, and 122. He's scored an amazing 664 runs without getting out even once, setting records for the most runs in List A cricket without being dismissed.

Nair's been playing really well and the selectors have noticed, especially now when India's cricket team is having some new things happen. With the team's major names, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, under a lot of pressure, there's a lot of discussion about Nair possibly getting picked for the Champions Trophy, or maybe even the Test tour of England in 2025.

Path to Vidarbha and Opportunities for Revival

Abey Kuruvilla, who once played for India, came in during a shaky time and gave Nair a spot on Vidarbha's team for him to prove his skills again. With some solid performances in the Ranji Trophy and an impressive season at Northamptonshire in county cricket, it's clear Nair is very fit.

Nair's determination to rebuild his career after years of struggles illustrates his resilience. His ability to overcome setbacks and stay focused on improving his game has earned him recognition, potentially setting him up for a long-awaited return to the Indian team. As selectors look for fresh talent, Nair’s journey could inspire many others facing similar challenges in their cricketing careers.

Karun Nair Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

Karun Nair Hits Fourth Consecutive Century, Leads Vidarbha to Vijay Hazare Trophy Semi-Finals

Karun Nair really demonstrated his skills in the Vijay Hazare Trophy by hitting his fourth century in a row, which helped Vidarbha win comfortably against Rajasthan by nine wickets, during the quarter-finals. This amazing performance took place at the Motibaug Cricket Ground in Vadodara. By doing this, Nair made it into the record books. Mr. Nair is now only the third player from India and the fifth in the world to achieve four consecutive centuries in List A cricket.

A Historic Innings

Vidarbha was trying to reach a very big goal of 292 runs that Rajasthan had put up. Their game started nicely with Yash Rathod and Dhruv Shorey working together right at the start. They obtained a strong partnership of 92 runs. When Rathod got out, Nair came in to bat at the third spot and started doing a great job right from the start. Shorey, who also contributed a hundred in 114 balls, was very helpful--but it was Nair who really held the innings together. Nair reached his century in just 77 balls, striking 11 boundaries and clearing the ropes three times. His blistering knock culminated in an explosive finish as he hammered 24 runs off just five deliveries against Khaleel Ahmed, including three fours and two towering sixes. Vidarbha completed the chase in just 43.3 overs, securing their place in the semi-finals with a commanding performance.

An Unstoppable Force

An Unstoppable For After Yash Rathod got out, Nair came in to bat at third position and began scoring runs immediately. Vidarbha was trying to reach a tough total of 292 runs that Rajasthan had put up. With Dhruv Shorey at his side, who knocked a hundred off 114 balls, Nair really led the team's effort to chase down the score. At the beginning, the team did well at first because Rathod and Shorey made a strong 92-run stand together. Chattisgarh, helping Vidarbha dominate their Group D fixtures and advance to the knockouts with an unblemished record.

Notably, Nair broke a world record during the league stage, achieving the highest aggregate runs in List A cricket without being dismissed. His consistent contributions have been instrumental in Vidarbha’s campaign, earning him widespread acclaim as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

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- 112*(108).
- 44*(52).
- 163*(107).
- 111*(103).
- 112(101).
- 122*(82) in Quarterfinal.

Captain Karun Nair has 664 Average in this Vijay Hazare Trophy & taking his team in Semifinal - KARUN NAIR, 2.0..!!!! 🥶🫡 pic.twitter.com/hdxcC7eNG1

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 12, 2025

Most consecutive List-A centuries

Joining the Elite Club

Nair hit four centuries in a row and has now become part of a very unique group of cricket players who've done the same thing in List A cricket. Before him, in India, the only ones to accomplish this were Devdutt Padikkal during the 2020-21 season and Narayan Jagadeesan in the 2022-23 season. And when it comes to scoring five centuries in one Vijay Hazare Trophy season, Jagadeesan is still the best by himself.

Also scoring four straight centuries in List A matches--but not in India, were Kumar Sangakkara from Sri Lanka and Alviro Petersen from South Africa.

With Vidarbha now in the semi-finals, Nair’s form will be pivotal as they aim to lift the coveted Vijay Hazare Trophy. His extraordinary achievements have already cemented his place as one of the premier batsmen in domestic cricket this season. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping that Nair’s purple patch continues, propelling Vidarbha to ultimate glory.

As Vidarbha’s captain and talisman, Nair’s performances have transcended the boundaries of individual excellence, serving as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a testament to the power of determination and skill. The cricketing world watches eagerly to see what the next chapter holds in his remarkable journey.

Karun Nair, a former Indian Test cricketer, has made history again. Even though his international career was short, playing only six Test matches, he is famous for his amazing knock of 334 not out against England in 2016. With this, he became the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Test cricket.

Now, at 33 years old, Karun is not playing international cricket but is still showing his talent in India’s domestic cricket. On January 3, as the captain of Vidarbha, he made a new record in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has shown amazing consistency this season and created a streak by scoring 542 runs without getting out, the most by any player in List A cricket. He broke the previous record of 527 runs by New Zealand’s James Franklin in 2010.

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Karun’s streak of not getting out started on December 23. Since then, he has scored four centuries, including three back-to-back in his last three innings. In his latest match against Uttar Pradesh, he scored 112 not out and helped Vidarbha win the game.

Captain Karun Nair in the Vijay Hazare Trophy..

112**(108)
44*(52)
163*(107)
111*(103)
112*(101)#KarunNair#INDvsAUS#INDvsAUSTest#AUSvINDIA #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/k0n8SZ7yJO

— 𝗔𝗻𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝘆. (@ankit_2200) January 3, 2025

On Friday, Vidarbha finished at 313/2, with Yash Rathod scoring an unbeaten 138 off 140 balls. Nair and Rathod shared a huge 228-run partnership for the second wicket.

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This win moved Vidarbha to the top of Group D with 20 points from five matches, ahead of second-placed Tamil Nadu (14 points) and Uttar Pradesh (14 points), who are tied for third.

Indian batsman Karun Nair is set to make a comeback to the Northamptonshire county team in April this year after going unsold in the Indian Premier League 2024 auction. Despite Northamptonshire’s unsuccessful bid to avoid relegation from Division 2 last season, Nair’s three matches with innings of 78, 150, and 21 earned him praise from head coach John Sadler, who considers him a valuable asset to the team.

Expressing delight in securing Nair’s return, Sadler commended the batsman’s calmness, temperament, and hunger for runs during the previous season. Nair’s availability for the County Championships was uncertain in December, awaiting a potential IPL auction selection. However, with no IPL takers, he is committed to playing the first seven matches for Northamptonshire in the upcoming season.

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Thrilled about his return, Karun Nair emphasized his excitement to contribute to the team’s success, aiming to secure victories and promote Northamptonshire. Acknowledging the coach and captain for the opportunity, Nair expressed his eagerness to build on his form from the previous season and make a significant impact with the bat.

Notably, Nair will be replaced by Indian teammate Prithvi Shaw in the latter part of the English summer. Shaw, who had a successful stint with Northants last year, missed the season due to an ACL injury.

Karun Nair, having played six Test matches for India, boasts a total of 374 runs at an average of 62.33, with his highest Test career score of 303 achieved in a single match. Once considered a permanent member of the Indian Test team, Nair’s exclusion resulted from a decline in form. His last Test match was against Australia in 2017, and despite strong competition, he has been unable to regain a spot in the Indian team and remains out of consideration by selectors.

On Friday, Lucknow Super Giants’ IPL 2023 campaign suffered a significant setback when their captain, KL Rahul, was forced to withdraw from the remainder of the tournament due to an injury he sustained in a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. LSG later around the same time declared his substitution, a previous RCB star, Karun Nair. It was made public on Twitter when LSG shared the popular “Dear Cricket” tweet from the veteran India player.

LSG on Friday revealed that “further tests and scans have unfortunately confirmed a significant tear to Rahul’s tendon which will require surgery.” He was even ruled out of the World Test Championship final against Australia next month at The Oval because of the injury.

Later that same day, they shared Nair’s viral December tweet announcing his selection as Rahul’s season-long replacement. India’s second triple centurion in Test cricket, Nair, had posted on Twitter: After being disqualified from the Ranji Trophy, “Dear Cricket, give me one more chance”

Karun Nair will be playing in his 10th IPL season, in which he has made 76 appearances and scored 1496 runs, including 10 fifties, for four teams

After becoming well known in domestic cricket during 2013, he was picked by the RCB franchise where he played two seasons prior to moving to Rajasthan Royals in 2014. After that, in 2016 and 2017, he played for Delhi Daredevils, which are now known as Delhi Capitals, before switching to the Punjab franchise. He had gotten back to Rajasthan in 2022, however showed up to score only 16 runs prior to being released by the franchise.

The India star has been signed by LSG for INR 50 lakhs.

With five wins in ten matches, LSG currently sits second in the points table with 11 points. After their home match against Chennai Super Kings was postponed due to rain, they lost by one point. On May 7, they will take on the defending champions and reigning champions, the Gujarat Titans, in Ahmedabad.