Sanju Samson And...? India Likely To Drop These 3 Stars For Champions Trophy 2025

Samson to be dropped by India [Source: @ROHAN87759/X.Com] Samson to be dropped by India [Source: @ROHAN87759/X.Com]

The Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner as the teams will fight it out for the coveted trophy. The tournament is set to start from February 19, but the date for the submission of the tentative squad is January 12.

Whenever an ICC event takes place, India are always the firm favourites and the scene isn't different this time around as well. They will also announce their squad on January 12 and could take some harsh call in the selection matters. Here are 3 big names who could be dropped from the Champions Trophy squad.

3) Sanju Samson

On Tuesday, the news broke out that India are likely to pick Yashasvi Jaiswal as the third opener for the Champions Trophy. Samson's best position is the opening slot, but India now have three openers already in the squad - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Jaiswal.

Samson is not a middle-order batter and hence his productivity and exploits will be reduced if he gets a demotion in the batting position. Hence, he could be dropped for the mega event. Samson's inclusion will depend if he gets selected in the ODI squad Vs England and whether he is able to perform or not.

2) Mohammad Shami

November 19, 2023 was the last time Mohammad Shami played for India in any format. Since then, he is nursing an injury and hasn't made his return yet. The Champions Trophy is just next month and the pacer doesn't look ready for a comeback. 

On his day, Shami is a world-class bowler, but the team management won't be tempted to take an injury prone pacer to the ICC mega event, and hence, he could also see the exit door for Champions Trophy.

1) Axar Patel

The curious case of Axar Patel is right here. He was India's key player during the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, but since then has gone into wilderness. He wasn't included in the Test series Vs Australia and his selection in the Champions Trophy also depends whether he gets called up to the England series or not.

As per reports, India are planning to pick Washington Sundar in the England series, which could mean the end of the road for Axar. So, for the Champions Trophy, the team might go in with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav as the three spinners.