India's Squad For Champions Trophy 2025 Announced; What Are Key Changes From The 2017 CT Squad - In Pics
India’s journey in the Champions Trophy has been one of evolution, marked by a blend of experience and fresh talent. As the 2025 squad gears up for the challenge, a comparison with the 2017 team reveals how strategic shifts, emerging stars, and seasoned leaders have shaped India’s cricketing trajectory. Let’s dive into the key changes and insights!
1. Leadership: The Shift from Kohli to Rohit Sharma
2017: Virat Kohli, leadEdit summarying his first ICC event as captain, aimed to replicate MS Dhoni's legacy. 2025: Rohit Sharma, a proven leader with T20 and ODI World Cup triumphs, now commands the squad, promising strategic acumen and calmness.
2. Opening Partnerships: A Tale of Two Generations
2017: The formidable pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma set the tone with explosive starts. 2025: Rohit Sharma continues but now pairs with the prolific Shubman Gill, while Yashasvi Jaiswal waits for his opportunity.
3. Middle Order: Experience Meets Consistency
2017: Veterans MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh provided stability and power in crunch moments. 2025: Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer take charge, with KL Rahul adding resilience and Rishabh Pant offering firepower.
4. Bowling Firepower: Pacesetters of Different Eras
2017: Bumrah’s precision and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's swing were key weapons. 2025: Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami lead the charge, with Arshdeep Singh showcasing his death-over expertise.
5. All-rounders: Depth with Versatility
2017: Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja were dependable dual-role players. 2025: Hardik is joined by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, bolstering both batting depth and bowling variety.
6. Spin Dynamics: From Specialists to Multifaceted Options
2017: Ashwin’s off-spin and Jadeja’s accuracy offered stability. 2025: Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin, combined with all-round spin options, ensures tactical flexibility.
7. Debutants: Fresh Talent in the Spotlight
2017: Players like Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav made their ICC debuts. 2025: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Arshdeep Singh enter the Champions Trophy with limited ODI exposure but immense potential.
8. Key Performers to Watch
2017: Yuvraj Singh made a memorable comeback, while Bumrah established himself as a match-winner. 2025: Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, riding high on World Cup 2023 form, are expected to lead the batting charge.
9. Tactical Adjustments: Balancing Power and Stability
2017: The lack of batting depth in the final against Pakistan highlighted a tactical shortfall. 2025: The inclusion of multiple all-rounders offers a balanced XI capable of adapting to any situation.
10. The Legacy Players: Continuity Amid Change
2017: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah laid the foundation of success. 2025: These stalwarts continue to inspire, ensuring a blend of experience and youth as India eyes another ICC triumph.
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