Champions Trophy 2025: Team India Member Returns Home Midway Due To Personal Reason, Set To Miss Crucial Semifinal: Report

Indian team manager R Devraj has left the team in the midst of the Champions Trophy 2025 and has returned to India on Sunday. As per a Cricbuzz report. Devraj's mother passed away and he has already left for Hyderabad. He also happens to be the secretary of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).

Team India Manager Left For India For Personal Reasons

Members of the Indian team confirmed the development to Cricbuzz. India are currently involved in their final group stage game against New Zealand and will face either Australia or South Africa on Tuesday depending upon the result of this game.

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The Hyderabad Cricket Association issued a statement expressing their condolence.  “With deep sorrow, we inform you that our Secretary Devraj's mother, Kamaleshwari garu, has passed away. May her soul rest in peace. Our heartfelt condolences to Devraj garu and his family.”

It is not yet clear whether he will be back in Dubai for the summit clash if India do get the better of their opponents in the knockout game. India already secured a place in the final with two consecutive wins.

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India Setup Semifinal Showdown With Australia

Coming to the match, India have set up a semifinal clash with Australia with a 44-run win over New Zealand. Kane Williamson 's team will take on South Africa in the second semifinal. Riding on Shreyas Iyer's 21st ODI fifty, India posted 249 runs on the board. The likes of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma couldn't really get going and ahead of the crucial semifinal clash, it will be a massive wakeup call for the Men In Blue.

Varun Chakaravarthy made his Champions Trophy debut in this game and the KKR spinner ran through the New Zealand batting lineup with a brilliant five wicket haul. Rana played the first two matches and has been the preferred choice so far. But after Varun's splendid display it remains to be seen whether he breaks into the team in the semifinal.