Team India has arrived in Dubai for the Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19. Eight of the world's best teams will compete for the prestigious title. India will play all their matches in Dubai, as they won’t be traveling to Pakistan.
A video shared by BCCI on social media showed Indian players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, arriving at the Dubai airport. In the clip, Pant was seen chatting with his teammates, asking their birthdays, and reading their horoscopes.
In the video he first asked Axar Patel, who said his birthday is on January 28. While Arshdeep Singh responded next with February 5, while Hardik Pandya humorously stated in numbers, "11-10-1993, 11th October." Pant then read Hardik’s horoscope, which suggested engaging in charity for positive outcomes.
Meanwhile, India suffered a setback as Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to a lower back injury. Harshit Rana, who impressed in the recent England series, has been named as his replacement.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had struggled for form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia but found some rhythm in the ODI series against England. They will be hoping to carry that confidence into the tournament.
India's schedule for Champions Trophy 2025
India’s first match in the Champions Trophy 2025 is against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, followed by the much-awaited clash against Pakistan on February 23 and against New Zealand on March 2.
India’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy, 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
