India’s Predicted Playing XI For 2025 Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma Opens, Virat Kohli at No. 3; No Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul Finds SPOT

Mumbai: We are still about seven months away from the start of the much-awaited 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite the time left for the event, and with few ODIs to go – here is a look at the probable playing XI that the Indian cricket team would field. This is subject to injuries, of course. There is no doubt over the fact that Rohit Sharma would lead the side. Virat Kohli will also be part of the XI, but will he open with Rohit or be happy to play at his preferred No. 3 spot? In all probability, Kohli plays at No. 3 as this is the 50-over format and he would have the option of giving himself some time. So, who opens with Rohit?

It will either be Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal. Our hunch is that India will prefer an idea right-left combination at the top and hence Jaiswal may edge Gill to the side. Rishabh Pant would play at No. 4 or it would be KL Rahul. The two would shuffle as per the situation of the match. Then it would be the all-rounders, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. Ravindra Jadeja, given his form, is likely to miss out.

Kuldeep Yadav would be in the side as the sole specialist spinner. Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah would be in charge of the pace battery.

India’s Predicted Playing XI For 2025 Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah