Sanjay Bangar picks Team India’s playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025

Sanjay Bangar has shared his predicted playing XI for Team India for the Champions Trophy 2025. Check out his selection and analysis of the best lineup for India in the prestigious tournament.

By Rui 19 Jan 2025 in Cricket

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Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Bangar has picked his India’s strongest playing XI for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and UAE.

According to Bangar, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open the innings while Virat Kohli takes up the No.3 spot. Shreyas Iyer to bat at No.4 position. Interestingly, he went with KL Rahul ahead of Rishabh Pant as the keeper-batter option.

For the all-rounders' positions, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja will bat at the No. 6 and No. 7 positions respectively. Interestingly, Axar Patel found the axe in the XI while Jadeja was picked ahead of him.

“Then one between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel and one reserve wicketkeeper. So in this case, Rishabh Pant may be on the benches,” Bangar told Star Sports.

Moving into the spin attack, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav share the duties alongside Jadeja. On the other hand, Mohammed Shami couldn’t find the place as Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh made it to the final XI.

“You eliminate one of the fast bowlers. If Arshdeep and Bumrah are both available, then you can afford to leave out somebody like Shami. So for me, Shami is not a starter,” Banger added.

While India’s matches are scheduled to be played in UAE for the mega event, all other games will take place in Pakistan across different venues. If India makes it to the knockouts, the team’s games will be played in Dubai.

Sanjay Bangar’s Strongest Team India XI for Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shuman Gill (vc), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

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