ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Will India go two regular spinners or all-rounder against Bangladesh. More details on India's probable XI against Bangladesh.
India will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a crucial clash against Bangladesh. In such a short tournament, even a league game can feel like a potential knockout. Therefore, both India and Bangladesh will aim to field their strongest XI to counter the conditions and their opponents effectively.
So, what will be India’s probable XI for the Bangladesh match?
Openers – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill
India’s opening pair is settled, with captain Rohit Sharma partnering Shubman Gill. Both scored a century each in the recent ODI series win against England. They also opened together in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, where they enjoyed great success. The duo will look to carry that momentum into the Champions Trophy and provide India with explosive starts consistently throughout the tournament.
No 3 - Virat Kohli
A lot of debate has surrounded Virat Kohli’s extended run of poor form. However, he momentarily silenced his critics with a fifty in the third ODI against England. Despite this, Kohli will still be under pressure, as another failure could reignite calls for his exclusion. Nevertheless, he is expected to retain his No. 3 spot throughout the campaign, given his proven success in this position in the shorter format. Read More: Top 5 pacers to watch out for in Champions Trophy 2025
No 4 - Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has been in outstanding form lately, firmly establishing himself at No. 4 with two half-centuries in India's recent ODI series win against England. What stands out about Iyer is his ability to play his natural attacking game, unaffected by match situations. His counter-attacking innings have either shifted the momentum in India's favour or sustained it from where the top order left off, making him a vital asset in the middle order.
No 5 - KL Rahul to pip Rishabh Pant
KL Rahul is likely to be preferred over Rishabh Pant at No. 5, as he has performed reasonably well in this position during Pant’s absence due to injury. While Pant offers the advantage of a left-handed option in the middle order, the team management is expected to stick with Rahul as their primary wicketkeeper-batter. If needed, left-handed all-rounder Axar Patel could be promoted to No. 5 to maintain the left-right batting combination.
All-rounders - Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja
India aim to bat deep, which is why they have included three batting all-rounders—Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, all three are equally capable bowlers who can strike at crucial moments to give the team an edge. Pandya may be called upon to bowl with the new ball or in the middle overs to break partnerships. Axar, a versatile player, can be used as a floater in the batting order, while his crafty bowling will be a valuable asset. Jadeja, similar in style to Axar, retains his place due to his experience, consistent performances with both bat and ball, and, of course, his exceptional fielding in the shorter format. Read More: Top 5 batters to watch out for in Champions Trophy 2025
Spinner - Varun Chakravarthy or Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep was part of the 2023 ODI World Cup squad and performed fairly well, picking up wickets with his variations and disciplined line and length. However, Varun Chakravarthy, who recently gained prominence with his impressive T20I performances, could challenge Kuldeep for a spot in the XI. If captain Rohit Sharma wants to introduce a mystery element to trouble the opposition, he might opt for Varun. On the other hand, if experience is the priority, Kuldeep could get the nod.
Pacers - Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh
Nitish Rana has performed well in the limited opportunities he has had in the shorter format. However, India are unlikely to take a chance in the league phase, as every win is crucial for semi-final qualification.
Shami remains the first-choice pacer, even though he is still working his way back to full rhythm following an injury. Arshdeep Singh adds variety to the pace attack with his left-arm bowling. He has the ability to strike early with the new ball and deliver economical spells at the death, making him a valuable asset in India's bowling lineup.
India's Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy/Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh. Read More: Top takeaways for India from England series ahead of CT25
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