India drops key fast-bowler from Champions Trophy squad

India has announced its 15-member squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, notably excluding a key fast bowler.

Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Shubman Gill as the vice-captain. However, Mohammed Siraj is not in the lineup.

The team includes former captain Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Shami. Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are also in the squad.

The tournament, featuring eight teams, will take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and Dubai, with matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. The highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. Pakistan will host 10 matches, while four matches, including all of India's group-stage games and the first semi-final, will be held in Dubai.

The final is set to be played in Lahore, but if India qualifies, it will be moved to Dubai. A reserve day has been designated for the final in case of any weather-related disruptions.