The Indian cricket team faces a critical test at the Champions Trophy 2025, starting with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai. Following a disappointing series of losses, including an ODI series against Sri Lanka and a 3-0 Test defeat to New Zealand, coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma are under scrutiny. This tournament offers a chance for redemption. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav are fit to play, but India will miss key bowler Jasprit Bumrah due to injury. Gambhir’s recent discussions with Ravindra Jadeja hint at potential lineup changes as India seeks to reclaim glory after their 2017 final loss to Pakistan.
The Indian cricket team kicks off its campaign at the Champions Trophy 2025 with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday. Following the events of recent months after their T20 World Cup 2024 victory, the Champions Trophy 2025 serves as a critical test for the Rohit Sharma-led squad. In the aftermath of the T20 World Cup 2024 win, India faced a setback, losing an ODI series to Sri Lanka, suffering a 3-0 defeat in a Test series against New Zealand at home, and then losing the Border Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 in Australia. These consecutive defeats have cast doubt on both coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.
The Champions Trophy 2025 presents a significant opportunity for redemption for both Gambhir and Rohit. All eyes will be on India’s lineup against Bangladesh on Thursday. During the final practice session, Gautam Gambhir was spotted in an extensive discussion with veteran spin-allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, culminating in an embrace.
The official broadcaster of the Champions Trophy found this gesture noteworthy. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar was queried whether the ‘hug’ insinuated that Jadeja might be left out of the playing XI against Bangladesh. Bangar noted that excluding Jadeja would be challenging, but incorporating three pacers could be part of India’s strategy. He also mentioned that Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav might serve as the two spinners against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that experienced pacer Mohammed Shami and ‘Chinaman’ spinner Kuldeep Yadav are fit for the Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh in Dubai.
On Thursday, India will embark on its pursuit of Champions Trophy glory after falling short of the coveted title in 2017, suffering a 180-run defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan.
The road to glory will not be easy for the last edition’s finalists, especially with the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Widely regarded as the premier speedster in contemporary cricket, Bumrah is sidelined due to a “lower back injury.”
In Bumrah’s absence, the return of Shami and Kuldeep to the ODI lineup will provide a boost for the Rohit-led team. Shami has recently made his return to international cricket after being out due to injury for over a year.
India has missed Kuldeep’s contributions since the Test series against New Zealand last year, during which his chronic left groin issue led him to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for long-term treatment.
“Bowling fitness is good (Shami). We were keen on getting Shami back to bowling form. He has participated in several matches. From what I’ve seen, he is looking perfect and has served us well over the years. Hopefully, he finds his rhythm during this tournament. Kuldeep has come back after a hernia operation, and he seems very confident; if both perform, it will be fantastic for us,” Rohit stated in the pre-match press conference.
With ANI inputs
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