As anticipation grows for the announcement of India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19 across Pakistan and the UAE, there is still much uncertainty surrounding the final 15 players. While certain players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya are expected to be automatic selections, the situation for the rest of the squad is less clear.

There have been no updates on Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery, making his participation doubtful. Mohammed Shami has been recalled for the T20Is against England, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the demands of a 50-over format. Kuldeep Yadav has resumed bowling, but his inclusion in the squad remains uncertain, making his place a risky proposition. Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to be part of the team, but beyond these four, there is little clarity regarding the remaining spots.

By naming their preferred picks for the Champions Trophy squad, former India cricketers Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh may have simplified the selectors’ task a little. Ajit Agarkar and his selection panel are under pressure, with India’s squad expected to be announced by January 12, though the delay is due to the committee closely monitoring players in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. With the tournament concluding on Saturday, the official squad announcement is anticipated by Sunday, January 19.

Regarding Harbhajan and Sehwag’s recommendations, both have made notable suggestions. Harbhajan, for instance, believes Sanju Samson, rather than Rishabh Pant, should be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the ICC event, given the contrasting forms of the two players. Pant has struggled to make an impact in the recent five-Test series against Australia, managing just 255 runs from 9 innings. In contrast, Samson has been in explosive form in T20Is, having scored three centuries in five innings during the Bangladesh and South Africa series. Although Samson is not part of Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, as KCA opted for players from their camp, Harbhajan feels that Samson's T20I performances should be enough to secure the spot over Pant.