New Delhi: The Champions Trophy 2025 remains a mystery for fans, players, and boards alike. Although the hybrid model is confirmed, the tournament schedule is yet to be announced. What is certain, however, is that Team India will play all their matches in Dubai. Considering the conditions, a balanced mix of pace and spin bowling will be crucial. While the BCCI has not disclosed the squad yet, InsideSport takes a shot at predicting who could make the cut.
When it comes to ODIs, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma have done enough to earn automatic selection. In 265 matches, Rohit has scored 10,866 runs at an average close to 50, with 31 centuries. Meanwhile, Gill has had a stellar start to his 50-over career, accumulating 2,328 runs in 47 matches at an impressive average of 58.20.
India doesn’t necessarily need a backup opener, but in case of an emergency, KL Rahul could slot in, given his excellent ODI record.
While the exact playing XI may vary, Shreyas Iyer should be a sure inclusion, given his solid domestic form. In the SMAT, he scored 345 runs in 9 matches at an average of 49. The usual stalwarts, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya, will also make the cut, with KL Rahul available as a flexible option in the lineup.
Hardik Pandya will remain the first-choice all-rounder in the XI. However, Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also likely to make the squad. Reddy has proven himself in three Tests and three T20Is, with 403 runs in 22 List A matches, averaging 36, and picking up 14 wickets. Jadeja, meanwhile, continues to show his value, recently scoring a fighting 50 against Australia in Brisbane.
Apart from Ravindra Jadeja, India could also consider Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, all of whom are in good form and capable of controlling the run rate. While only 2-3 of them may feature in the playing XI, all four should be part of the squad.
A major concern for India is the fitness of Mohammed Shami. If fit, he will make the squad automatically. Other pacers in the squad will likely be Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. If Shami remains unfit, Akash Deep could be considered. Additionally, having left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh would offer variety to the attack.
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Reddy, Shreyas Iyer.
