ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanju Samson to get nod ahead in Indian squad? Massive report comes on Gautam Gambhir's 'favourite'

India keeper-batter Sanju Samson might be a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per the reports in India Today, it is learned that the right-hander is likely to be there as the backup keeper for Rishabh Pant in the team. 

The reports stated that Sanju Samson's inclusion in the Indian team will depend on how the BCCI treats Gautam Gambhir. It is learned that if the head coach has the same say in the selection matters that he had during the Australia tour, then the keeper-batter might be included in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

The India squad for the Australia tour was mostly picked on the recommendation of Gautam Gambhir. The head coach played a huge role in the selection of Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. But the team failing badly there didn't go any good to the head coach. 

Some reports claimed that head coach Gautam Gambhir won't be having a say in selection matters. However, if that isn't the case, then the reports in India Today say that the head coach's favourite, Sanju Samson, will be picked for the team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, and Sanju Samson will be serving as backup.

It is learned that Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, and Sanju Samson will be serving as backup. This will be a massive step for the Indian team going forward, as Samson has been in hot form in white-ball cricket, especially in T20 cricket. 

Sanju Samson has made a staggering return to the Indian T20I setup as he slammed three centuries in the two series that were played. The keeper-batter also has a great record in the ODIs as well as he has an average of over 56 in his short career and would want to cash on that as well. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to begin from 19th February. The Indian team for the tournament is all set to be announced soon, and it is learned that Rohit Sharma will be leading the team, which will see some of the expected names.