The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is set to begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai. Facing pressure due to recent poor performances, the team has sparked debates with selections such as choosing five spinners and omitting young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rohit and Shubman Gill are expected to open, followed by star batter Virat Kohli at No. 3. Shreyas Iyer is anticipated at No. 4, with KL Rahul preferred over Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeper. The all-rounders include Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, while Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh will lead the bowling attack.
India’s Predicted XI vs Bangladesh, Champions Trophy 2025© AFP
The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, kicks off their Champions Trophy 2025 journey with a challenging match against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday. Following several disappointing performances in recent months, there is mounting pressure on Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir as they enter the tournament. Furthermore, there has been considerable discussion regarding team selection, with India opting for five spinners while omitting in-form young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal. Questions have also arisen regarding the BCCI’s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as Rohit’s deputy for the tournament.
Rohit and Gill are anticipated to open the innings for India in the match against Bangladesh, with star player Virat Kohli batting at his favored No. 3 position. Both Virat and Rohit have faced significant criticism due to their recent poor form, and all eyes will be on these superstars as they seek to reclaim their rhythm.
Shreyas Iyer, who has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, is predicted to bat at No. 4, while KL Rahul is favored over Rishabh Pant for the wicket-keeper role. The selection of these two prominent players for the position has sparked much debate. Nonetheless, with Rahul offering a more robust batting option, he is expected to take the field against Bangladesh instead of Pant.
Regarding the all-rounders, India is likely to field Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, forming a star-studded lower middle order.
In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to serve as the third spinner, accompanied by specialists Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh in pace bowling roles.
India’s Predicted XI against Bangladesh, Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
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