The Indian cricket team is gearing up for its Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday. After a turbulent period following their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, the tournament presents a crucial test for captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. In the aftermath of their World Cup victory, India suffered a series of disappointing results, including an One Day International series loss to Sri Lanka, a 3-0 Test series defeat at home against New Zealand, and a 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss in Australia. These setbacks have placed immense scrutiny on the leadership of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir, making the Champions Trophy a significant opportunity for redemption.
As the team finalizes its playing eleven for the opener against Bangladesh, all eyes are on the selection decisions, particularly regarding veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. During India’s final practice session, Gautam Gambhir was seen having an extended discussion with Ravindra Jadeja before sharing a hug, sparking speculation about the player’s place in the squad. The official broadcaster of the tournament took note of the gesture, leading to former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar weighing in on the debate. He acknowledged that excluding Ravindra Jadeja from the playing eleven would be a tough call but suggested that India might opt for three pace bowlers instead. If that strategy is followed, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav could be the two frontline spinners against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma confirmed in his pre-match press conference that key fast bowler Mohammed Shami and left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav are fit and ready for the opening match. Mohammed Shami’s return is particularly significant as India is without its premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is sidelined due to a lower back injury. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah is a major blow for India, as he is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers across all formats in contemporary cricket.
Mohammed Shami, who has spent over a year away from international cricket due to injury, recently returned to competitive action and has regained match fitness. Kuldeep Yadav, who has also been out of action since the Test series against New Zealand last year due to a chronic groin issue, was sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence for long-term rehabilitation. He has now recovered following a hernia operation and is expected to play a crucial role in India’s bowling attack.
Speaking about the team’s preparations, Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness. “Bowling fitness is fine for Mohammed Shami. We wanted him to get back to his rhythm, and whatever I have seen of him so far is perfect. He has done the job for us over the years, and hopefully, he can find his rhythm in this tournament. Kuldeep Yadav has returned after a hernia operation, and he looks quite confident. If both of them perform well, it will be great for us,” Rohit Sharma stated.
India will begin its campaign with the aim of reclaiming the Champions Trophy title, which they last won in 2013. In the previous edition of the tournament in 2017, India suffered a crushing 180-run defeat in the final against arch-rivals Pakistan. With the team looking to bounce back from recent struggles, their performance in Dubai will be closely watched by cricket fans and analysts alike.
