Only two days remain before the start of Rohit Sharma-led India’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday. After the loss in Australia, the Champions Trophy provides a chance for the Indian cricket team to redeem itself. Post the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India lost 3-1, several reports claimed that all was not well in the Indian dressing room. There was a report surrounding a certain ‘Mr. Fix-it’ who harboured ambition to be India’s interim captain, there were was also a report claiming coach Gautam Gambhir was unhappy with one of the younger players for leaking dressing room information. Several experts believed that the team bonding was missing.

Post that Tour, the BCCI introduced several guidelines like making in compulsory to travel in team bus, no wives/partners on short Tours, no personal ad photoshoot on Tours. In the midst of this, a report has claimed that a wicketkeeper is unhappy with India coach Gautam Gambhir over ODI XI snub. 

The report in Times Now, quoting sources, has said that a ‘current India wicketkeeper’, who is not the first choice in ODI playing XI, feels that he has lost his spot due to an ‘external reason’. The report did not name the player. It also did not mention whether the wicketkeeper is part of the Champions Trophy squad or nor. 

Currently, KL Rahul is India’s first choice wicketkeeper in the Champions Trophy, as confirmed by Gambhir. Rishabh Pant is the other wicketkeeper in the squad.

Rishabh Pant, who was struck on the knee by a shot from Hardik Pandya during Sunday’s training, appeared to be struggling, limping slightly on Monday.

He skipped the wicketkeeping and fielding practice and looked rusty when he came to bat, missing and edging several deliveries. The session kicked off with a direct-hit competition between three teams.

Gearing up for the finisher’s role, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul worked on his big-hitting skills as the Indian team trained for the second time on Monday ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh. Rahul, typically known for his technical approach, appeared to shift gears as he focused on playing aggressive shots. With Rishabh Pant pushing for a spot in the playing XI, the 32-year-old seemed to embrace a more proactive, power-hitting mindset.

India Squad For 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.

With PTI inputs

Rishabh Pant copped a blow to his knee during the team’s training session in Dubai.© X (Twitter)

Indian cricketers’ fan following is probably the most in the sport, as compared to other teams. Wherever Indian players go, it’s almost certain that fans would follow them, trying to geta glimpse or even get a selfie and autograph. And if its a big star like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant then the excitement hits crescendo. The same thing happened at a dinner table where Rohit, Pant and Yashavi Jaiswal were present. A boy walked up to them and kept insisting for autographs on his T-shirt. 

Rishabh Pant played along and even asked him interesting questions that had the boy in splits. Pant asked him, “Do you play?”. The boy replied, “yes both batting and bowling. I am an allrounder.” Then Pant told him: “Fast bowling? Don’t you do fast bowling?” To which the boy the smiled back. 

– A lovely video of Rohit Sharma with little fan.

Captain Rohit, Rishab Pant, Jaiswal, Abhishek Nair and T Dilip are sitting together and having dinner at team hotel in Bhuvneshwar when a little fan comes to take an autograph from Rohit and Rohit and Rishab talk with him so… pic.twitter.com/7Tt93JSYjA

— (@rushiii_12) February 10, 2025

While Rohit Sharma has played in the first two ODIs against England, Rishabh Pant has not been used. KL Rahul has got a preference over Pant for the wicketkeeper-batter’s role. 

There is an option for the Indian team to play both Pant and Rahul but with Axar Patel being used higher up the order, the chances of Pant to be in the XI has diminished.  

“Before the match started, there was a suggestion from me that maybe Rishabh Pant could be tried only with the Champions Trophy in mind. Plus, India would have a left-hander in the top six or seven. Axar Patel is a great option to have because this is a guy, we have seen him bat in Test matches for India and he has a batter’s temperament,” said Manjrekar on ESPNCricinfo.

Manjrekar also said Axar’s ability to handle spin tilted the scale in his favour, adding that the southpaw could come in handy for the team in Champions Trophy with pitches likely to help spinners.

“Boy, he looked good against spinners (in the first ODI). India have had a problem in the middle overs where they have struggled to find batters who are competent against spin. Because this Champions Trophy is going to be played in our part of the world, there’s going to be a lot of spin impact on the games,” he said.

With India 2-0 up, as many as three players found a spot each in India’s playing XI for the third and final ODI against England. Yet, wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant found no place in the team for the dead rubber. Pant, who was added to India’s squad not just for the ODI series against England but also for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. After India won the first two matches, changes were expected to be made with the team. While India skipper Rohit Sharma did announce multiple swaps in the playing XI, KL Rahul continued to be persisted for the role behind the stumps as Pant warmed the bench.

It was England skipper Jos Buttler who won the toss and opted to field first. Rohit, however, confirmed that he wanted to bat first anyway. Hence, both captains got what they wanted.

“I wanted to bat first and put runs on the board because we bowled first in the last two games. It was important for us to get a win in the last game. The fielders portrayed themselves well in the last two games, a lot of young blood. We want to continue to do well in the field. They are pretty new in their careers so we want to keep the pressure away from them, let them do their own and they have got a lot of potential.

Rohit announced that Shami and Jadeja were rested for the match but Varun couldn’t participate due to a sore calf issue. Hence, India had to make three changes.

“We have made some changes – Jadeja and Shami have been rested, unfortunately, Varun has a sore calf. So, Washi, Kuldeep, and Arshdeep come into the side,” Rohit said at the time of toss,” said the skipper.

“We are gonna bowl first today. (On whether the expected dew has influenced his decision to bowl first) A little bit maybe, it may spin a bit later. We have batted first in the first two games so it will be a different experience today ahead of the Champions Trophy. It’s a decent wicket, we played New Zealand in the World Cup a few years ago, it was a black soil pitch and it played better in the second half. We have one change – Tom Banton comes in for Jamie Overton into the side,” the England skipper said after the toss. 

India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

England Playing XI: Philip Salt(w), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Tom Banton, Liam Livingstone, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood

New Delhi :

Former and current Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Irfan Pathan, and Cheteshwar Pujara shared a heartfelt message for former wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha as he announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. Saha played his last match against Punjab with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 Group C encounter. The wicketkeeper-batter failed to shine in the final game of his illustrious career. He was dismissed for a seven-ball duck by Gurnoor Brar of Punjab. However, Saha’s performance did not affect Bengal much as they clinched a victory by an innings and 13 runs over Punjab.

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan took to his official social media handle and gave him best wishes for his new phase of life.

“From sharing dressing rooms to seeing you pull off those insane stumpings, what a journey you’ve had bro! Wishing you all the success and happiness in this new phase of life. You’ll always be a champion,” Dhawan wrote in a post on X.

From sharing dressing rooms to seeing you pull off those insane stumpings, what a journey you’ve had bro! Wishing you all the success and happiness in this new phase of life. You’ll always be a champion @Wriddhipops ???? pic.twitter.com/lFjEKljAsB

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 1, 2025

The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan congratulated Wriddhiman Saha for his cricketing career and called him “udtaaaaaa Saha”.

“Congratulations @Wriddhipops on your career. Your wicket-keeping skills were the best we had in test cricket. Will miss calling it “udtaaaaaa Saha”. I’m sure you will keep flying high in your second innings buddy. Good luck,” Irfan Pathan wrote on X.

Congratulations @Wriddhipops on your career. Your wicket keeping skills were the best we had in test cricket. Will miss calling it “udtaaaaaa Saha”. I’m sure you will keep flying high in your second innings buddy. Good luck. pic.twitter.com/OT42TBZ3pr

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 1, 2025

Saurashtra and India right-hand batter Cheteshwar Pujara said that Wriddhiman Saha’s contribution for Indian cricket is invaluable.

“Congratulations on an incredible career @Wriddhipops! …Your contribution to Indian cricket has been invaluable. It has been a pleasure spending time with you on and off the field! Best wishes for the journey ahead,” Pujara wrote in a post on X.

Congratulations on an incredible career @Wriddhipops! ????…Your contribution to Indian cricket has been invaluable. It has been a pleasure spending time with you on and off the field!

Best wishes for the journey ahead ???? pic.twitter.com/znRCk7ZdJG

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) February 1, 2025

Rishabh Pant shared a photo along with Wriddhiman Saha on his social media handle and said that he has always admired his skills and craft.

“As a fellow keeper, I have always admired your skills and your craft. Wishing you all the success and happiness in your next chapter @Wriddhipops bhaiya,” Pant wrote on X.

As a fellow keeper, I have always admired your skills and your craft. Wishing you all the success and happiness in your next chapter @Wriddhipops bhaiya. #RP17 pic.twitter.com/xNf2yrjZLn

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) February 1, 2025

Earlier on Friday, Saha also received a guard of honour from his teammates as he went down on the crease to bat for the last time.

Taking to X, Saha recalled the first time he stepped onto a cricket field in 1997. He added that it was an honour for him to represent his country, state, district, clubs, university, college, and school.

“It has been 28 years since I first stepped onto a cricket field in 1997, and what a journey it has been! Representing my country, state, district, clubs, university, college, and school has been the greatest honor of my life. Everything I am today, every achievement, every lesson learned- l owe it all to this wonderful game… Now it is time to begin a new chapter, dedicating myself to my family and friends, cherishing the moments I may have missed, and embracing life beyond the field. I am eternally grateful to my parents, my beloved elder brother Anirban, and my extended family. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in my dreams made this journey possible…,” Saha wrote on X.

The 40-year-old extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their support throughout his career.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the BCCI, its presidents, secretaries, and all office bearers for their support throughout my career. A sincere thank you to all my coaches, mentors, physios, trainers, analysts, teammates, logistics teams, masseurs, and every support staff member of the Indian Cricket Team, Bengal Cricket Team, Tripura Cricket Team, and all the clubs, districts, universities, and school teams I had the privilege of representing. Your faith in me and your constant encouragement have meant the world. I am deeply thankful to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) for their trust and support throughout my career…,” he added.

He also gave special mention to his childhood coach, Jayanta Bhowmick for his guidance both on and off the field.

“A special mention to my childhood coach, Jayanta Bhowmick, who saw something in me long before I saw it in myself. Your guidance, both on and off the field, has been a blessing in my life. To my friends, ground staff, net bowlers, dressing room attendants, fans, scorers, well-wishers, critics, and journalists each of you played a role in my journey. Your support, encouragement, and even your criticism pushed me to be better, to work harder, and to never stop learning… This game has given me more than I could have ever imagined. It has been my passion, my teacher, my identity. As I walk away from the field, I do so with immense gratitude, carrying memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you, cricket. Thank you all,” he concluded.

Thank You, Cricket. Thank You everyone. ???? pic.twitter.com/eSKyGQht4R

— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 1, 2025

Saha made his first-class debut in 2007, following that he has played 142 matches and 210 innings, scoring 7169 runs at a strike rate of 48.65 and an average of 41.43. He slammed 14 centuries and 44 fifties in the first-class cricket.

Earlier in November 2024, Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from international cricket. Saha last played for India in 2021 and has scored 1,353 runs in 40 Tests for India, with three centuries and six fifties in 56 innings. He has also played five ODIs for India.

While the return of India stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, among others, to the domestic circuit has grabbed the eyeballs of cricket experts and fans alike, former India cricketer-turned-pundit Aakash Chopra has drawn out a major talking point. Chopra stated that all the senior players have played only one Ranji game, as stars who played in the first week of games (from January 23) are skipping the second week (from January 30). Only those India stars who missed the first week games are playing in the ongoing week.

Barring Ravindra Jadeja, all senior India regulars who played in the January 23 games are giving the ongoing round a miss.

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are some of the big names who participated in the January 23 ties, but are not playing any further.

Chopra criticised this aspect, stating that this has made it seem like playing in Ranji was a token punishment for the players.

“Virat Kohli is playing, but many others are not, like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shreyas Iyer. Ultimately, all the players have played their token Ranji Trophy match, marked their attendance and left,” Chopra said, speaking on his YouTube channel.

“Virat Kohli hadn’t played that round, so he is playing now.”

“What does it tell you? This (playing Ranji Trophy) was a bit of a punishment posting. But playing first-class cricket shouldn’t be a punishment, it should be a privilege,” said Chopra.

Following India’s 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, the BCCI had implemented a 10-point guideline, one of which stated that available players must participate in domestic cricket.

However, most of the India regulars have opted to play just one game.

Rohit, Jaiswal, Shreyas, Gill and Pant all lost their respective Ranji games. Ravindra Jadeja, however, starred for Saurashtra and took home the Player of the Match award.

Ravindra Jadeja was unplayable on a spinners’ paradise and added another seven to his first innings five-for as Saurashtra all but ensured Delhi’s exit from Ranji Trophy with a 10-wicket victory inside two days in Group D, on Friday. While the famed Indian batters were huge flops across games, all-rounder Jadeja showed why he is still menacing on tracks that offer significant help. The hosts pounded Delhi by dismissing them for a mere 94 in 25.2 overs in their second innings. This was after Saurashtra did well enough to score 271.

The 83-run first innings lead on a difficult track proved to be decisive. Saurashtra scored the required 12 runs in just 3.1 overs. The match lasted little over 150 overs across two days.

After six rounds, Saurashtra (18 points) are back in the hunt to qualify for the knock-out stages from group D along with Tamil Nadu (19 from 5 games), who are in good position to win outright against Chandigarh (18 points from 5 games).

Delhi with 14 points have one home game left against Railways and even a seven-point win might not be enough if Saurashtra or Chandigarh manage outright wins in their last games.

The Rishabh Pant fans were left high and dry as he got out for 17 in the second essay after scoring 1. In the first innings, he had holed out in the deep trying to slog-sweep left-arm spinner Dharmendra Jadeja.

In the second innings , the more famous Jadeja, Ravindra, brought him forward and extra bounce had him edge to Sheldon Jackson in the first slip.

Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Unadkat had said before the game that they will prepare rank turner and go for seven points in their bid to make it to knock-out stage.

Save skipper Ayush Badoni (44), who once again looked good and Pant, who tried to counter attack briefly, none of the Delhi batters had an inkling which of Jadeja’s deliveries would turn and which ones would go straight.

Some of them tried to sweep without much success while others were not assured of their footwork.

The difference was in class of spin attack. Both the Jadejas — Ravindra and Dharmendra — didn’t try to extract turn on a diabolical track and just pitched it in right areas. The two Delhi left-arm spinners Harsh Tyagi (4/71 in 17 overs) and Sumit Mathur (0/57 in 13 overs) went at more than four runs per over on a spin-friendly track.

After the end of the match, Jadeja was seen giving tips to Tyagi, who has been a big letdown for Delhi throughout the season while Pant had some advice for young Saurashtra keeper Harvik Desai.

Suraj, Sharandeep and Utkarsh shine for Jharkhand 

Opener Kumar Suraj (104) scored a century and was ably supported by Sharandeep Singh (69) and Utkarsh Singh (62), who helped themselves with a half-century each. Jharkhand were sitting pretty at 304 for 4 in their first innings against Chattishgarh after end of second day’s play in Jamshedpur.

Jharkhand now enjoy a 74-run first innings lead after bowling out Chattisgarh for 230 in their first innings.

On the day, Jharkhand openers Suraj and Sharandeep added 179 for the opening stand to set up a nice platform. Suraj hit 11 fours and one six while Sharandeep had fours to his credit.

While the openers were dogged in their approach, Utkarsh during his 83-ball knock upped the ante with nine crisp boundaries to his credit. He looked good for a big score before off-spinner Jivesh Bhutte had him caught by Gagandeep Singh.

Ajith, Sai Kishore give TN first innings lead

On a day dominated by left-arm spinners, Tamil Nadu’s seasoned duo of Ajith Ram (5/34) and R Sai Kishore (3/48) bowled out Chandigarh for 204 to give Tamil Nadu a sizeable first innings lead of 97 on the second day in Salem.

At stumps, the lead swelled to 124 as the hosts ended the day’s play at 27 for 2 in their second innings. Tamil Nadu scored 301 riding on teenager C Andre Siddarth’s century.

Upendra Scores 82 in Railways’ 198 for 5

Former India A keeper-batter Upendra Yadav remained unbeaten on 82 as Railways reached 198 for 5 against Assam after the match started on the second day in Guwahati. There was no play possible on first day.

Brief Scores: *Delhi 188 and 94 in 25.2 overs (Rishabh Pant 17, Ravindra Jadeja 7/38).

Saurashtra 271 (Harvik Desai 93, Ravindra Jadeja 38, Harsh Tyagi 4/71) and 15/0 in 3.1 overs.

Points: Saurashtra 7; Delhi 0 *Chattisgrah 1st Innings 230. Jharkhand 304 for 4 in 94 overs (Kumar Suraj 104, Sharandeep Singh 69, Utkarsh Singh 62).

*Tamil Nadu 301 and 27/2.

Chandigarh 1st Innings: 204 (Ajith Ram 5/34, R Sai Kishore 3/48).

*Railways 198 for 5 in 67 overs (Upendra Yadav 82 batting, Mukhtar Hussain 2/18) vs Assam.

Saurashtra vs Delhi Live Score Updates, Ranji Trophy Day 2© X (formerly Twitter)

Ranji Trophy: Yashasvi Jaiswal© X/Twitter

The high-profile return of India’s stars in Ranji Trophy ended up as a damp squib with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill falling cheaply on Thursday, unable to click in the face of some hostile bowling on the opening day of their respective matches across different venues. Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was the only one who stood out among the battery of Indian stars as he took a five-wicket haul for Saurashtra to dismiss Pant’s Delhi for 188 on a Rajkot turner.

However, it was a forgettable outing for the rest as they made the slow walk back to the hut following early dismissals.

Following a dismal run in Australia, Rohit returned to Ranji Trophy for defending champions Mumbai after a decade, hoping to get some runs under his belt ahead of next month’s Champions Trophy.

But it was not to be at least in Mumbai’s first innings against Jammu and Kashmir at the BKC ground here.

Going for his trademark pull off Umar Nazir, Rohit (3) got a leading edge which was caught by J&K skipper Paras Dogra at mid-off.

His India opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) too fell cheaply for Mumbai.

The southpaw was pinned in front of the wicket by Auqib Nabi, who made the most of the fresh wicket to move the new ball dangerously off the surface.

Named in the squad for the Champions Trophy, Shreyas Iyer (11) was caught at mid on off pacer Yudhvir Singh.

While the turnout to watch the India cricketing stars at the stadium was low, those in nearby buildings, who were watching the action from their office floors, returned to work soon after the 37-year-old Rohit was dismissed.

Anticipating fan interest, the Mumbai Cricket Association had made temporary seating arrangements for about 500 people at the BKC. The turnout, however, was not too high and some empty chairs could be seen.

Mumbai were eventually bowled out for a paltry 120 in 33.2 overs. The team left out their in-form teenage opener Ayush Mhatre to accommodate the stars.

The 17-year-old Mhatre has struck two hundreds and a half century this season, including a 93-ball 148 in their previous game against Saurashtra which Mumbai won by five wickets earlier this month.

This is the only Ranji game that Rohit, Jaiswal and Iyer are expected to play given that the ODI series against England is due to start early next month and they would be joining the Indian ranks for it.

Pant fizzles; Jadeja shines

In Rajkot, Pant showed up for Delhi in a first-class game for the first time since the 2017-2018 season and his stay in the middle did not last long.

The flamboyant left-hander was dismissed for 1 off 10 balls by veteran Saurashtra left-arm spinner Dharmendrasingh Jadeja. He attempted a sweep only to be caught at deep square leg.

India all-rounder Jadeja took no time to be in thick of things as he accounted for five of Delhi’s batters in his first Ranji game since 2023.

No fireworks from Gill either

In Bengaluru, Punjab captain Shubman Gill (4) was caught behind in the game against Karnataka.

The team was skittled out for a mere 55 with the pace duo of Abhilash Shetty and Vasuki Koushik sharing seven wickets between them to destroy the visitors.

Gill fell to Shetty in the fourth over of the innings.

The India stars made themselves available for Ranji Trophy after the BCCI made the contracted players’ participation in domestic cricket mandatory, following the 1-3 series loss in Australia that opened a debate on the players’ conduct and commitment to red-ball cricket.

The Board had to issue a 10-point disciplinary diktat, urging all cricketers to spare time for domestic cricket.