The BCCI stated that the Men’s Selection Committee will finalize the squad for both the IDFC First Bank ODI series against England and the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy. Fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating the composition of the squad, especially with the Champions Trophy just around the corner.

India’s Upcoming Fixtures

Before the ODI series, India will first take on England in a five-match T20I series starting January 22. The series will kick off in Kolkata, followed by matches in Chennai on January 25, Rajkot on January 28, Pune on January 31, and concluding in Mumbai on February 2.

The ODI series will follow the T20Is, with the first match scheduled for February 6. This series serves as important preparation for the Indian team ahead of their next major international assignment – the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9, with a unique hybrid model in which some matches will be hosted in Pakistan and others in the UAE. India is set to play all its matches in the UAE. The tournament will feature eight teams and a total of 15 matches, all played in the 50-over format.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20, when they face Bangladesh in their opening match. This will be followed by a much-anticipated encounter against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. India’s final league match is scheduled for March 2, where they will square off against New Zealand.

Tournament Structure

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be divided into two groups. Group A consists of hosts Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes the 2023 Cricket World Cup champions Australia, along with Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.

India’s fixtures in Group A promise to be highly competitive, with their matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand likely to be among the most watched of the tournament.

Conclusion

With the ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, India’s squad selection will be under intense scrutiny. As the tournament draws nearer, the Indian cricket team will be looking to build on their recent successes and prepare for a challenging yet exciting few weeks of international cricket. Fans across the world will be watching closely as the squad announcement unfolds this Saturday.

The post India to Reveal Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday appeared first on FolksTimes.

Earlier today, rain interrupted play during the third session of Day 3 at The Gabba, with India trailing Australia’s total by a significant 394 runs. At stumps, India was struggling at 51/4, with KL Rahul (33*) and skipper Rohit Sharma (0*) unbeaten at the crease.

India resumed the third session at 48/4, with Rahul and Rohit holding on after scoring 30 (52) and 0 (1), respectively. However, rain washed out most of the session, allowing only three overs, during which India added just three runs.

In the second session, rain had briefly interrupted play before resumption saw Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul attempting to build momentum. Pant picked up runs from loose deliveries, but the partnership was short-lived as Australian skipper Pat Cummins dismissed Pant (9) with a beautifully pitched delivery that nicked the batter’s outside edge and landed safely in Alex Carey’s gloves.

Rahul, undeterred, played a stunning cover drive off Cummins and continued the fight with a four off Mitchell Starc. However, rain once again intervened, stalling India’s attempt to build a recovery.

Earlier in the first session of Day 3, Australia dominated proceedings despite rain interruptions. Jasprit Bumrah removed Mitchell Starc early, who had looked dangerous after a powerful slog-sweep six off Ravindra Jadeja. Bumrah forced an edge from Starc, sending the ball to Rishabh Pant for a crucial dismissal.

Mohammed Siraj then broke through Nathan Lyon’s defense, clean bowling him. Australia’s innings finally ended at 445 when Alex Carey mistimed a shot off Akash Deep.

In reply, India’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for 1 after a brief boundary, handing an easy catch to Mitchell Marsh. Shubman Gill (1) and Virat Kohli (3) followed soon after, falling to Starc and Josh Hazlewood, respectively.

Brief Scores:
Australia 445 (Travis Head 152, Steven Smith 151; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76)
India 51/4 (KL Rahul 33; Mitchell Starc 2-25)*

Rain looms as a major factor heading into the final two days of the Test, threatening to disrupt the game further and possibly prevent a result.

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