1. Speculated rift and uncertainty within the Indian team

Though the above title sounds generic to the fanatics, it could be a significant reason behind India's faulty campaign in the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament. Be it a vast sporting board or a small-scale company, sound and robust internal management plays a decisive role in the working of a team and, in return, provides the desired results. The same applies to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the monitoring board of the Indian Cricket team.

Recent speculations of uncertainty within the board, selectors, captain, coaches and a few influential players due to some forgettable recent performances have led to a lack of unison in the lineup formation due to scattered opinions and requirements. For instance, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy India squad announcement got delayed by an hour or two as there have been some eleventh-hour discussions regarding the squad, which adds more oil to the fire. Though concrete pointers don't back this aspect, they act as an invisible hand in the team's winning goals and process aspects, which will come under scrutiny in the future, only if the results aren't obtained.

2. A shockers' list of excluded players

India has always been a formidable side, known for maintaining the right balance across all departments in significant tournaments, often translating into success on the global stage. However, the recently announced squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked intense debate among fans and critics, with several surprising omissions leaving many puzzled. One of the most talked-about and disappointing exclusions is of Karun Nair, who had an outstanding Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign as Vidarbha's captain, amassing over 770 runs in just eight innings.

Mohammed Siraj, a consistent performer with the ball, has also been surprisingly omitted, raising questions about the decision. Sanju Samson's absence has added to the controversy, as the wicketkeeper-batter has been a standout in white-ball cricket, known for his aggressive batting and reliable glove work. These omissions have sparked a larger conversation about the selection criteria and whether domestic and international performances are being given due consideration, making the build-up to the tournament all the more intriguing.

3. A spree of major players' probable injuries

Injuries have always posed significant challenges for sportspersons, often disrupting team dynamics and impacting their performance in major tournaments. For India, the injury concerns surrounding several key players in the 15-man squad could hinder their preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Both KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have opted out of the Ranji Trophy, citing niggles and discomfort, raising concerns about their fitness. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is recovering from a long-term groin injury, and his return to peak form may require more time.

Similarly, Jasprit Bumrah, who has been instrumental in India's success, is dealing with persistent back issues following his valiant efforts in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As a precautionary step, Harshit Rana has been included as a reserve player, ready to step in if Bumrah's condition worsens and sidelines him from the ICC tournament. These speculated injuries to such impactful players underline a potential weakness in India's campaign, as their fitness will be crucial to the team's success in the high-pressure Champions Trophy.