Rohit Sharma arrives at BCCI HQ for Champions Trophy squad announcement, to address press conference soon

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has arrived at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai for the announcement of India's squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. He will soon address the press along with chief selector Ajit Agakar.

Why was there a delay in squad announcement?

 India squad selection was reportedly delayed to ascertain the fitness levels of pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav. While Kuldeep has said he is fit for selection, there is no update on Bumrah's fitness levels yet. 

The ace pacer had suffered an injury during the recently concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah also went to undergo a lab test during the second innings of the last match.

According to a EspnCricinfo report, Bumrah's back injury is related to stress. The report stated that the first round of tests didn't reveal a stress fracture. It is believed that Bumrah's excessive workload during the BGT played a big part in his injury. 

If Bumrah is cleared of injury, the BCCI is likely to make him play the final ODI against England on February 12 in Ahmedabad to check his match fitness. The ICC deadline to submit thefinal teams for the Champions Trophy is February 11.

That means Bumrah will most likely be named in the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a ‘subject to fitness’ written beside his name.

Question over India's first-choice wicketkeeper: 

While KL Rahul's position as India's first choice wicketkeeper is more or less assured, the selectors will have a tough choice between Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant. While Samson showed his talent in the recent T20I series, Pant has been the go-to wicketkeeper for India in recent times. The left-hander's form in the recently concluded BGT will also go against him.

There is also the possibility of Karun Nair making a comeback to the Indian side after his outstanding performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which earned him the praise of Sachin Tendulkar.