India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign will start against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.
The side comes to the eight-nation tournament on the back of a 3-0 series sweep against England at home. Rohit Sharma and the management are likely to maintain the winning combination from this series.
In its batting lineup, the only spot up for grab was the wicketkeeping-batter role. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that KL Rahul, who played all three games against England, will make the starting team over Rishabh Pant.
The World No. 1 Shubman Gill is likely to open with Rohit Sharma with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer following them at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.
India is expected to start with three spinners against Bangladesh, due to the assistance to the slower bowlers at the venue. Kuldeep Yadav is likely to play as the specialist spinner with all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja completing the trio.
The pace unit will be led by Mohammed Shami with either Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh playing his deputy. Hardik Pandya will be the sixth bowling option for the side.
India’s Predicted XI against Bangladesh
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.