2 Indian Players Who Were Part Of The 2023 World Cup But Might Not Play In The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

As we approach the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the excitement is building, especially for the opening match where India will face off against Pakistan on February 23, 2025, in Dubai. This tournament, returning after a hiatus, promises high-octane cricket, but not all players from India’s 2023 World Cup squad are expected to make the cut for the Champions Trophy. Here’s a closer look at two players who might not feature in this prestigious event: Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan was part of the Indian squad for the World Cup 2023, but his participation was limited to just two matches. In his first outing against Australia, he was dismissed for a duck, and although he managed to score 47 runs against Afghanistan, this wasn’t enough to cement his place in the team.

Performance in the 2023 World Cup: Kishan’s performances left much to be desired, particularly in a tournament where every match was crucial. His failure to make an impact, especially in such high-profile games, has likely influenced his prospects for the Champions Trophy.
Competition for Spots: The Indian team boasts depth in the wicket-keeper batsman’s role with players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, both of whom have shown consistency in the 50-over format. The competition is fierce, and Kishan’s recent form hasn’t helped his case.
Form After the World Cup: Post the World Cup 2023, Kishan’s form in domestic cricket and the IPL has been patchy, leading to doubts about his readiness for the Champions Trophy. His ability to adapt quickly to conditions in Dubai, where India will play all their matches for the Champions Trophy, remains a significant question mark.

Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav, known for his T20 prowess, had a somewhat underwhelming World Cup 2023, scoring just 106 runs throughout the tournament. His approach, which thrives on innovation and quick scoring, didn’t fully translate into the demands of the ODI format.

ODI Performance: Yadav’s ODI record has been inconsistent compared to his T20 stats. The ICC Champions Trophy requires players who can build innings as well as accelerate, a balance Yadav has struggled to maintain in this format.
Form Post World Cup: After the World Cup, while Suryakumar continued to dazzle in T20 cricket, his ODI performances did not see a significant uptick. This has led to questions about his role in the team for the ICC Champions Trophy, where adaptability across all phases of the game is crucial.
Team Strategy: With the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, the team management might prefer players with a better track record in ODIs or those who can offer more versatility in different conditions, particularly in Dubai’s batting-friendly pitches.

The Dubai Factor

Playing all matches in Dubai for the Champions Trophy introduces unique challenges and opportunities. The conditions are known to favor batsmen, especially in the evening games under lights. However, it also means that players need to have a good understanding of how to pace their innings on these true wickets.

Ishan Kishan’s Potential: His aggressive style could be an asset in Dubai, but his inconsistency and the competition for his position suggest that selectors might look elsewhere for this crucial tournament.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Dilemma: Yadav’s ability to adapt his T20 flair to the longer format will be key. If he can show he’s more than just a T20 specialist, there might still be a chance, but his recent ODI outings haven’t been convincing enough for the Champions Trophy.

Looking Ahead to the ICC Champions Trophy

The exclusion of these players from the Champions Trophy would not only be about their current form but also about the strategic direction India wants to take. The team will need players who can handle the pressure of playing against formidable opponents like Pakistan in a tournament where every match counts towards the trophy.

Team Composition: India’s approach for the Champions Trophy might involve a mix of experience and youth, with an eye on players who can perform under the bright lights of Dubai’s cricketing spectacle.
Potential Comebacks: Both players have the talent to bounce back. Kishan could use domestic cricket or the IPL to make a strong case for his inclusion, while Yadav might need to show significant improvement in ODIs to be reconsidered for the Champions Trophy.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy represents another chapter in India’s cricketing saga, especially with the high-stakes opener against Pakistan. While Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav contributed to the World Cup 2023, their journey might not extend to the ICC Champions Trophy due to form, competition, and the strategic needs of the team in Dubai’s unique conditions. However, cricket is a game of turnarounds, and both players have the opportunity to prove their mettle, perhaps setting the stage for a dramatic return or for new stars to shine in the ICC Champions Trophy.