No Place For Iyer, Jadeja; Will Jaiswal Replace Gill? India's Strongest XI For Champions Trophy
![Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer [Source: @ICC, @ShubmanG6262/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1737198339274_shreyas_gill_CT.jpg?type=tq)
Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer [Source: @ICC, @ShubmanG6262/X]
In a significant development, India have announced a robust 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This afternoon, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and the chairman of the BCCI selection committee Ajit Agarkar revealed India's team that will travel to Dubai for the marquee event.
While the Indian think tank focused on picking multi-dimensional players for the mega tournament, the likes of Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy missed out on selection. However, as India have confirmed their team, let's analyse and find out their strongest playing XI for the Champions Trophy.
Should India Prefer Yashasvi Jaiswal Over Shubman Gill?
Since making his debut, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been prolific as an opener across formats. The swashbuckling southpaw ignited Champions Trophy selection debates after performing admirably in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy tournament.
However, although Jaiswal has managed to book a slot in India's Champions Trophy squad, the Men in Blue shouldn't ignore Shubman Gill, who is their top-scorer in ODIs since 2020. Gill has also been appointed as the vice-captain; so, in all likelihood, India will start with him as Rohit Sharma's opening partner.
Why Is Rishabh Pant's Inclusion Necessary In Playing XI?
Shreyas Iyer has been outstanding as India's number four in ODI cricket, amassing 1397 runs at an average of 51.74 and a strike rate of 101.75. However, although India will likely stick to the Mumbaikar in their playing XI, they could find Rishabh Pant's presence more beneficial in the marquee event.
If Iyer plays, it would mean an all right-handed top six for India in the Champions Trophy. Thus, the inclusion of someone like Pant would ensure a left-hander in their batting order and could be a strategic masterstroke against left-arm off-spinners and right-arm leg spinners in the middle overs. If Pant plays, he should keep the wickets, with Rahul being used for ground fielding.
Axar Should Be Preferred Over Ravindra Jadeja
India have kept several multi-dimensional players, including Jadeja, Axar, Pandya and Sundar, in their Champions Trophy squad. While Pandya is an absolute certainty, India should prefer Axar over Ravindra Jadeja for the spin-bowling all-rounder's role, considering the former's hitting ability down the order.
Since 2022, Jadeja has struck at an abysmal rate of 74.76, a number way below par than the benchmark for a lower middle-order batter in modern-day ODIs. Also, despite his remarkable bowling attributes, Jadeja has bagged only 51 wickets in 49 ODIs since 2019. Therefore, Axar Patel, who played an instrumental role for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, will be a definite upgrade over the veteran all-rounder in the Champions Trophy.
Bumrah To Lead India's Bowling Unit With Shami, Kuldeep
India's prominent speedster Jasprit Bumrah should be a no-brainer in their first-choice XI for the Champions Trophy. Kuldeep Yadav, who has bagged the most ODI wickets for India since 2020, should lead the spin attack with Axar Patel.
Initially, India might include Shami and Arshdeep when the pitches will be fresh and more batting-friendly. However, as the tournament goes on, they might drop one of these two seamers and bring Washington Sundar as an additional spinner to exploit the used tracks.
India's Strongest Playing XI For Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh/Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami
.jpg?type=tq "3 India Players who might play against Pakistan for first Time in ODIs")
.jpg?type=tq "Rohit's chat with Agarkar goes viral")
