The Champions Trophy 2025 is an ICC tournament which India will be looking to win. This tournament is going return after 8 years, and will begin February 19. Even though the tournament is currently set to be held in Pakistan, a hybrid model might also get used as India has refused to travel to the country.
In case the hybrid model is adopted, India will have to go with a strong Playing XI to win the tournament. Rohit Sharma is expected to return to ODI format, as he will be eyeing to become the second ever Indian captain to have win both the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy.
Rohit will be opening the inning for India along with Shubman Gill and not Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Jaiswal has proven himself as an opener for both T20Is and Tests, he is yet to make an ODI debut for India. Hence, it is most likely that he will be opening the innings for the team.
Virat Kohli is going to play at No 3, with Riyan Parag possibly coming at No. 4. Rishabh Pant is the wicketkeeper-batter, and is going to play at No. 5. Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar are the all-rounders of the team and can take up the spot till No. 8.
Mohammed Shai has currently not been active for Indian team for over a year. He left everyone impressed with his return to first-class cricket with Bengal, and there are expectations with him returning in the squad with the Champions Trophy. He will make an exciting partnership with Jasprit Bumrah.
India Predicted Playing XI For Champions Trophy 2025:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
