Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit & Co. set to play at least one warm-up match, date and opponents undecided

by · Inside Sport India

Champions Trophy 2025: India will begin their tournament campaign on Feb 20 and the IND vs PAK clash will take place on Feb 23.

Okay, so as is the norm with every ICC tournament, the Indian team, like the others, will play at least one warm-up match before the main matches get underway, in the Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma and Co. is slated to play all their fixtures in Dubai, and not Pakistan, as they begin their campaign against Bangladesh on Feb 20.

India Set to Play Warm-up Match

Subsequently, the team will play matches against Pakistan and New Zealand as week. Meanwhile, the practice matches will get underway from Jan 25. As per a report in Sports Tak, while it’s confirmed that India will play warm-up match/es, but the date and opponents is still not decided.

 “Practice matches are yet to be announced training facilities are being worked out. But at least one game will be given to India for practice before the start of their competition. The team is yet not finalised” told a source close to Sports Tak. As per the tournament schedule, if India makes it to the semis or the final, they would continue to play their matches in Dubai only..and if they fail to do so, the matches would be moved to Pakistan.

Confusion Over Opponents

The BCCI is expected to announce the squad before Jan 12, and now the big headache for the selection panel is, who to pick and who to drop, with some players injured, and a few out of form. The biggest call has to be taken regarding the future of injured Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami, who last played for India in 2023.

Another tough call needs to be taken regarding the selection of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, out of whom only one is expected to make the cut. Experts have voiced their opinions, over picking Samson over Pant. Although one wicket-keeper candidate, who is an automatic pick is — KL Rahul, who could be seen batting at No. 5.