India’s Best Playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025

India announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday, January 18. Captain Rohit Sharma attended a press conference alongside Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar to reveal the squad.

Shubman Gill has been retained as the vice-captain, while Mohammed Siraj has been left out. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are the two wicketkeeping options available as the in-form Sanju Samson failed to make the cut. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh are the only frontline pacers picked in the side as the management has shown a lot of faith in Hardik Pandya’s bowling ability and fitness.

Kuldeep Yadav is the only specialist spinner in the lineup as India has opted to pick three spin-bowling all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make his ODI debut, has been called up as the backup opener.

India’s Best Playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025:

Openers: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC)

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have done well as an opening pair in ODI cricket. They also have a lot of experience of playing together. Rohit and Shubman were India’s openers during their last 50-over ICC event, which was the ODI World Cup.

Both of them have not had a great time in international cricket of late. However, there is no doubt about their class, and Indian fans will hope that the captain-vice captain duo get back among the runs in the marquee event.

Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK)

Virat Kohli was the highest run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023. He has not been in great nick in the Test arena, but his credentials in the 50-over format are exceptional. If Kohli is in form, it will stand India in good stead. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer also favours the ODI format and had a sensational time in the World Cup in 2023. This is going to be his first appearance in the Champions Trophy. Shreyas’ performance at No. 4 is going to be a key factor.

KL Rahul is expected to don the wicketkeeping gloves, as Pant will have to wait for his opportunity. The Karnataka cricketer has an excellent record in ODI cricket at the No. 5 position. Rahul has a staggering average of 57.22 from 30 innings at the No. 5 slot.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel

A fit and in-form Hardik Pandya can be an asset to any team. He validated this during the T20 World Cup last year by putting in sensational performances with bat and ball. Indian fans will only hope that he stays fit throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Axar Patel could just make his way into the playing XI ahead of the experienced Jadeja, who hasn’t been in great form lately. Axar was recently appointed as India’s T20 vice-captain, showing the faith the selectors and team management have in his abilities.

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

Mohammed Shami will be making his much-awaited comeback to international cricket during the five-match T20I series against England, starting on January 22. His last appearance for the Men in Blue was in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the show-piece event.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been the standout bowler for India across the formats. India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy recently, but Bumrah was named Player of the Tournament for his remarkable contributions. He will be spearheading the bowling attack once again.

Arshdeep Singh has been a regular for India in the T20 format, but has yet to make himself a certainty in ODIs. The left-arm seamer will add a new dimension to the squad, and his ability to pick wickets with the new ball and bowl yorkers at the death could come in handy.

Also Read: How does India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad compares with ODI World Cup 2023 squad?

Kuldeep Yadav recently returned to bowling at the nets after recovering from an injury. He will have to play a critical role through the middle overs, as he can take important wickets and bring the momentum in India’s favour.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

To catch up on the most current news on all of your favorite thrilling cricket updates, visit BJSports to access our comprehensive Latest News, insightful analysis, and updates. connect with the action now to make sure you never miss out!

angelo

See Full Bio