ICC Champions Trophy 2025: What is the perfect India playing XI?

After finishing as runners-up in the 2017 edition of the Champions Trophy, India is determined to make a strong statement in the ninth edition of the prestigious tournament, which kicks off on February 19. With a focus on redemption and a quest for the title, the Indian team will look to go all the way and reclaim the Champions Trophy. In anticipation of the tournament, former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla, who was part of India's victorious 2011 World Cup squad, shared his predictions for the playing XI that could feature in the Champions Trophy. Speaking on the sidelines of the One World One Family Cup 2025 in Bengaluru, Chawla discussed the key players he expects to see in the lineup and highlighted the strengths of the team under captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership.

Chawla’s predictions come at a crucial time as India looks to settle on its best combination ahead of the tournament. The team is loaded with talent, including a dynamic batting lineup and a potent bowling attack, and will be looking to fine-tune their plans as they aim for success on the global stage. With the tournament set to begin in just a few weeks, all eyes are now on the preparations and the final playing XI that India will field in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Former Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, while discussing India’s potential playing XI for the upcoming Champions Trophy, laid out his thoughts on the team’s likely combination. Chawla predicted that India would open the batting with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, providing stability at the top of the order. Following them would be the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, both crucial to India’s middle order. Chawla placed KL Rahul at No. 5, with the added responsibility of wicketkeeping, providing flexibility to the batting lineup. The next spots, according to Chawla, would be filled by three key all-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, whose contributions with both bat and ball can significantly influence India’s success in the tournament.

To complete the India playing XI, Chawla picked two of India’s premier fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, to lead the bowling attack. However, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s availability due to ongoing injury concerns. Despite that, Bumrah’s inclusion would offer India a much-needed edge in the fast-bowling department. Chawla’s predictions reflect the depth and balance in India’s squad, with a mix of experience, firepower, and all-round skills, positioning the team well for a strong showing in the Champions Trophy 2025.

India is currently engaged in a three-match ODI series against England at home, marking their first ODI assignment since a 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka in August 2024. The Men in Blue started their campaign strongly, securing a four-wicket victory in the first ODI at Nagpur on Thursday, February 6. Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel were the standout performers with the bat, each scoring half-centuries to lead India’s chase of a 249-run target. The trio’s contributions ensured India reached the target in just 38.4 overs, showcasing aggressive and calculated batting in the run chase.

On the bowling front, Harshit Rana and Ravindra Jadeja played key roles in restricting England. Rana impressed with his pace and took three wickets, while Jadeja was equally effective, also picking up three wickets. Together, they helped break the backbone of England’s batting lineup, setting up a comfortable win for India. With this victory, India gained a 1-0 lead in the series, building momentum for the upcoming matches. The win also demonstrated the team’s solid all-round performance, boosting confidence ahead of the next India vs England ODI.

The action now moves to the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack for the second ODI of the series, scheduled for Sunday, February 9. Looking ahead, India’s Champions Trophy campaign kicks off on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India is placed in a competitive group alongside Pakistan and New Zealand. After their opening match, India will face Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2. These high-stakes encounters will be crucial as India aims to bounce back from their runners-up finish in the 2017 edition of the tournament. With the ODIs against England providing valuable preparation, the Indian squad will look to fine-tune their strategies and form before the Champions Trophy begins. The team is eager to go one step further this year and clinch the title, and all eyes will be on their performances in the upcoming matches.

Piyush Chawla's India playing XI for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (if fit), Mohammed Shami.