Nair's omission, captaincy dynamic and skill-based selection - Talking Points from India's Champions Trophy squad

Rohit Sharma will captain the 15-strong India squad at the Champions Trophy as the two-time champions of the tournament look to make it back-to-back wins at major men’s ICC tournaments.

READ MORE - India announce ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Nair’s remarkable form not quite enough

One of the standout absences from the squad was in-form batter Karun Nair, whose recent form in India’s domestic 50-over tournament – the Vijay Hazare Trophy – has been nothing short of extraordinary.

The 33-year-old Nair played a huge part in steering Vidarbha to the final of the tournament, scoring five centuries and 752 runs ahead of the showpiece clash with Karnataka. Nair was dismissed just once in his seven innings, leaving him with an eye-watering average for the tournament of 752, with his runs coming at an extremely healthy strike rate of 125.96.

Chief selector Agarkar acknowledged that Nair’s form put him firmly in the conversation, but that there wasn’t quite room to fit him into the top order.

“Performances like his don’t happen often. However, with only 15 spots available, we can’t fit everyone.”

Samson misses out to Pant

Wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson also missed out on selection, with Rishabh Pant given the nod as keeper batter.

Having averaged 56.66 in 14 innings in the ODI format since making his debut in 2021, Samson can consider himself slightly unfortunate to miss out.

While Pant’s talent and impact has been clear in other formats, his ODI record isn’t exceptional, with an average of 33.50 across 31 matches.

Jaiswal too good to ignore

India’s squad has plenty of experience, but Yashasvi Jaiswal is a notable exception. The 23-year-old left-hander may have been a revelation in Test cricket, but he is yet to even make his debut in the ODI format.

He is expected to get his first 50-over run out for India in the upcoming series against England, with his captain Rohit Sharma saying that Jaiswal’s form and talent in the other formats was just too strong to ignore.

“We picked Jaiswal on the basis of what he has shown in the last few months despite not playing ODI cricket,” Rohit said. “He has been picked on potential and sometimes you have to do that.”

READ MORE - India explain key Jaiswal and Siraj selection calls for Champions Trophy

Captaincy dynamic shows ‘trust’

The presence of so many key leadership figures in the India set-up has the potential to lead to confusion over messaging and leadership roles. But Rohit Sharma says that the managerial relationship between himself and coach Gautam Gambhir is clear, and that his coach has faith in him to make decisions on the field of play.

"Both of us are very clear about what we want to do. I am not going to sit here and discuss what goes behind the scenes, every game tactically. But, it's very clear in my mind.

“Once we enter the field, he trusts what the captain is doing on the field,” Rohit said, adding:

“That's the kind of trust we have in each other. That's how it should be.”

Shubman Gill will continue as vice-captain of the ODI side despite the recalling of many senior players in the format. Chief selector Agarkar says that should not be a controversial decision.

“Shubman was vice-captain in Sri Lanka anyway, I wouldn't read too much into it. A lot of the feedback comes from the dressing room. You also want to keep your options open. One of the challenges is that not many are leading their state teams nowadays … but you are always on the lookout for anyone who has got some leadership qualities.”

Captain and selector discuss BCCI protocol

Reports of an updated BCCI Protocol that places new rules on the Indian players was raised at the press conference, but Rohit Sharma says that discussion should wait until the BCCI announce any measures officially.

"Who told you about these rules. Has it come from the official handle of the BCCI? Let it come officially," Rohit said.

Agarkar was quizzed on a similar line and said that any BCCI changes would be a case of tweaking existing rules rather than being a diktat to the players.

"I think every team has some rules in place. We have spoken about various things. We have seen in the last few months the need for some changes, more bonding in the team," Agarkar said.

"It's not a school, it's not a punishment. We have some rules and when you are playing for the national team, you following the rules.

“These are not school kids, these are superstars. They know how to handle themselves. But, at the end of the day, you play for your country, so you need to follow some rules. A lot of these rules were already in place. You keep on refining it."

Bumrah’s fitness has knock-on impact

India have doubts over the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah for the tournament, and will not use him for at least the first two matches in the series against England.

Harshit Rana has been included in the squad for that series as cover, but Bumrah’s fitness also played a part in the selection of the other pace bowlers in the Champions Trophy 15, with Arshdeep Singh preferred to Mohammed Siraj primarily based on role-specific criteria.

“We are not sure of Bumrah and so we picked a squad where we had options of players who can bowl up front and at the back end,” Rohit said. “If Bumrah is not there we wanted Arshdeep to do it.

“That is where we felt Siraj's effectiveness comes down when he is not taking the new ball. It is unfortunate he is missing out, but we had to get guys who can perform a certain role.”

READ MORE - Every ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

The India Squad:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

India's Group Stage Fixtures:

20 February - India vs Bangladesh, Dubai

23 February - India vs Pakistan, Dubai

2 March - India vs New Zealand, Dubai