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As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approach, cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how Team India line up for their opening game against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar offers his insights, revealing his preferred playing XI for the high-stakes encounter.
Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh led the bowling attack
Bangar emphasized the importance of having Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh to playing XI if both are fit and available. He suggested Mohammed Shami as a backup seamer but not a starter in the opening game.
“You eliminate one of the fast bowlers. If Arshdeep and Bumrah are equally available, you can leave someone like a Shami. So for me, Shami is not a starter,” Bangar shared during the Star Sports show Follow the Blues.
Ravindra Jadeja over Axar Patel; Rishabh Pant is gone
In his choice, Bangar chose Ravindra Jadeja done Axar Patel for the all-rounder’s role, citing Jadeja’s consistent performance and versatility. He mentioned that too Rishabh Pant can stay in the bank, with KL Rahul wear gloves.
“Then one between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel and a reserve wicketkeeper. So in this case, Rishabh Pant may be on the banks,” Bangar noticed.
Also read: India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar answers why Karun Nair was not selected in the squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammed Shami’s role and health considerations
While Bangar did not include Shami in the starting XI for the opening game, he acknowledged the importance of the pacer for India’s campaign. Reflecting on Shami’s willingness, Bangar said, “He has got the fitness and is ready to bowl the number of overs required with high intensity.”
Bangar suggested that Shami could play a key role in the next few games, especially against strong opponents like England.
“The more games he plays, the better he gets, because that’s what history suggests about Mohammed Shami,” he added.
Sanjay Bangar’s India XI for Champions Trophy 2025 opener
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
