India’s recent performances in bilateral series haven’t been great, making the Champions Trophy a crucial tournament for the team. A victory in this tournament is essential, and the opening match against Bangladesh on Thursday will be the first step in answering some key questions about the squad. However, team management faces a tough challenge in selecting the playing XI.
All of India’s matches will be played in Dubai, raising the question of whether to field three specialist spinners or three frontline pacers. India might opt for three spinners, with Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami confirmed to play. Among Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, only two bowlers will get a spot in the XI. Hardik Pandya is expected to play as the sixth bowler.
Key Questions for Team India in the Champions Trophy
India enters the tournament as one of the favorites, but can they overcome the absence of injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah? Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma regain their prime form? Can young players like Shubman Gill deliver consistent performances under pressure in a multi-nation event? Only time will tell, but ICC tournaments have historically suited Indian players. India’s experienced and young stars are comfortable in the ODI format and will look to shine in this competition.
Kohli, Rohit, and Gambhir Under Pressure
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Kohli, Rohit, and even head coach Gautam Gambhir are running out of time. The setbacks against New Zealand and Australia still linger, and another poor tournament could create major concerns for all three. However, there are positive signs. Captain Rohit recently scored a brilliant century against England, Kohli struck a half-century, and under Gambhir’s guidance, India dominated England, winning the T20I series 4-1 and the ODI series 3-0.
Gill Back in Form, Tough Group for India
Shubman Gill has returned to form, winning the Player of the Series award against England with a century and two fifties in the three-match ODI series. However, the Champions Trophy presents a much bigger challenge. India’s Group A opponents—Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand—are far more motivated than England, and even a single loss could disrupt the league-stage standings.
Selection Dilemma for Playing XI: What Will Be Rahul’s Batting Position?
Despite India’s strong performances in 50-over cricket recently, a few selection puzzles remain before facing Bangladesh. One key question is KL Rahul’s batting position. Will he bat at his preferred No. 5 spot, or will Axar Patel move up the order, pushing Rahul to No. 6? In the ODI series against England, Rahul batted at No. 6 in the first two matches but played at No. 5 in the final game. The team management is likely to adopt a flexible approach based on match situations.
Finding the Right Bowling Balance
Achieving the right bowling balance is another challenge. Mohammed Shami is confirmed as the lead pacer, but the choice for his new-ball partner is between Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Shami also needs to improve his performance. While Rana has been impressive and can trouble batters even on flat pitches with his pace and bounce, Arshdeep’s left-arm angle and variations make him a strong candidate for sharing the new ball.
India Likely to Play Three Spinners
India is expected to field three spinners, with Hardik Pandya providing additional pace-bowling support. The key question is—who will be the third spinner alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel? The choice is between left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Based on recent form, Varun might get the nod, but Kuldeep impressed in the nets by troubling some top-order batters.
Who Will Play: Varun or Kuldeep?
If recent performances are the deciding factor, Varun Chakravarthy should make the XI. However, Kuldeep Yadav demonstrated his abilities by troubling renowned batters in the nets on Tuesday. Meanwhile, India can take confidence from Bangladesh’s struggles. The absence of key players like Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan has weakened Bangladesh, but India cannot afford any complacency, as Bangladesh has troubled them in past global tournaments.
Probable Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh/Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy/Kuldeep Yadav.
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy/Zakir Ali Anik, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib/Nahid Rana.