The Indian cricket team faces a crucial match against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy 2025, following a series of defeats since their T20 World Cup 2024 victory. Coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership is under scrutiny after losses to Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia. The tournament offers a chance for redemption, with speculation about the playing XI, particularly regarding veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja’s role. India will miss pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah due to injury, but welcomes back Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, both crucial to the team’s performance. The match in Dubai marks India’s pursuit of Champions Trophy glory.
The Indian cricket team is set to kick off its campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday. Following the events of the past few months after their T20 World Cup 2024 victory, the Champions Trophy 2025 presents a significant challenge for the side led by Rohit Sharma. In the time since winning the T20 World Cup 2024, India faced setbacks, including a loss in an ODI series against Sri Lanka, a 3-0 defeat against New Zealand in a home Test series, and a 3-1 loss in the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. These losses have raised concerns regarding coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.
The Champions Trophy 2025, therefore, offers an opportunity for substantial 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 observed engaging in a detailed discussion with veteran spin-allrounder Ravindra Jadeja before embracing him.
The official broadcasters of the Champions Trophy remarked on this moment. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar was questioned whether the ‘hug’ indicated that Jadeja might be excluded from the squad against Bangladesh. Bangar noted that omitting Jadeja would be challenging, but implementing three pacers could be part of India’s strategy. He suggested that Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav might be the chosen spinners for the match against Bangladesh.
In the meantime, India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that experienced pacer Mohammed Shami and ‘Chinaman’ spinner Kuldeep Yadav are fit to play in the opening match of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh in Dubai.
On Thursday, India will commence its pursuit of Champions Trophy glory, having missed the opportunity to claim the coveted title in 2017 after suffering a 180-run defeat to their arch-rivals, Pakistan.
This quest for glory will not be easy for the finalists of the last edition, especially in light of the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Regarded as the top speedster in all formats of the current generation, Bumrah is sidelined due to a “lower back injury.”
In Bumrah’s absence, the return of Shami and Kuldeep to the ODI team will be a significant boost for Rohit’s side. Shami has made his comeback to international cricket after over a year away due to an injury.
India has missed Kuldeep’s contribution since the Test series against New Zealand last year. He was sent to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for a long-term solution to his chronic left groin issue.
“Bowling fitness is fine (Shami). We wanted him to regain his bowling fitness. He has participated in some games, and so far, what I’ve observed is perfect. He has delivered for us consistently over the years. Hopefully, he’ll find his rhythm in this tournament. Kuldeep has returned after undergoing a hernia operation. He appears quite confident, and if both of them perform well, it will be fantastic for us,” Rohit mentioned in the pre-match press conference.
With inputs from ANI
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