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3 Senior Players Who Could Be Dropped From India's ODI Squad After Champions Trophy Win

Debashis Sarangi

Indian players in action vs NZ [Source: AP]Indian players in action vs NZ [Source: AP]

On Sunday, India had a memorable day on the field, as they defeated New Zealand in the final to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Under Rohit Sharma's leadership, India chased a tricky target, emerging victorious at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

Although the Men in Blue were stupendous in the tournament, there are three Indian players who could be ignored for ODI selection going forward, as mentioned below. 

1. Mohammed Shami

  • Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami had a memorable start to the tournament, scalping a magical five-wicket haul in the first match against Bangladesh. 
  • However, his graph only went downhill from that point, as he failed to replicate a similar success in the subsequent games. He averaged 45 and struck at an abysmal rate of 46.5 in the next four games, including the all-important final. 
  • Apart from his inconsistency, Shami's age and proneness to injury might shut the door for his ODI selection going forward. The fast bowler will be almost 37 by the next ICC ODI event, which is the World Cup. 
  • So, considering India will likely utilise their upcoming ODI assignments to prepare for the marquee event, Shami's ODI career might just have played his final 50-over game. 

2. Ravindra Jadeja

  • Legendary all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja played a pivotal role in India's triumphant Champions Trophy campaign. Besides bowling a superb spell in the final, Jadeja scored the winning runs for the Men in Blue against New Zealand. 
  • However, Jadeja is 36 and will be 38 by the 2027 ODI World Cup. He has certainly been a force to reckon with bat and ball, but the Men in Blue might search for his backups when they start preparing for the showpiece event. 
  • India have already groomed Axar Patel as a potent all-round weapon in ODIs. Washington Sundar seems to have attained his peak, showcasing his prowess in Tests and ODIs of late. 
  • So, with India playing a limited number of ODIs before the World Cup, they might give Axar and Sundar ample game time instead of persisting with Jadeja. 

3. Rishabh Pant

  • You might be surprised to see Rishabh Pant on this list. However, the Indian keeper-batter has had a roller-coaster ride in ODIs. He has played only 31 ODIs in his seven-year-long career, scoring 871 runs at a modest average of 33.50. 
  • More importantly, India have superbly fit Axar Patel as their enforcer in the middle overs while persisting with KL Rahul for the wicketkeeper's role. Both these players performed admirably in critical situations, paving the way for India's smooth victory. 
  • So, although Rishabh Pant has the age on his side, his role in the ODI team still remains unclear. Also, with Axar and Rahul performing, Pant, unfortunately, might not get the first preference in the ODI side going forward.