Following a lackluster performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India will aim to bounce back during the white-ball series against England. The series will be succeeded by the Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, with India’s matches set to be held in Dubai.
Rohit Sharma has been confirmed as India’s captain for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a decision announced shortly after India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Shubman Gill, who was added to India’s leadership group post the T20 World Cup, was named the vice-captain for white-ball formats. Hardik Pandya, who served as Rohit’s deputy during the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, was surprisingly overlooked. He was neither appointed as captain nor vice-captain in any format.
Given his appointment as vice-captain, Shubman Gill would typically assist Rohit in the Champions Trophy. However, reports suggest otherwise. According to *The Times of India*, there could be a shift in the ODI leadership team for the tournament.
The report states that Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be named India’s vice-captain for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Bumrah has previously held a leadership role in ODIs, serving as vice-captain under KL Rahul during the South Africa series in early 2022. He also made his T20I captaincy debut against Ireland in 2023.
In Test cricket, Bumrah has been part of the leadership group since 2022 and captained India in the one-off Test against England. Additionally, he led India in two matches during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The BCCI is expected to announce the squads for the England series and the Champions Trophy this week. Bumrah is reportedly set to be rested for the entire England series.
