India’s Probable XI Against Bangladesh: Pant is Not in the Playing XI

Team India is ready to kick off their campaign in the ICC Champion Trophy against Bangladesh on February 20 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India performed brilliantly in the recent ODI series against England. Most of the Indian team players look in great touch. And they showed their class in the recent ODI series. That’s why it looks very difficult for the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to select players for the playing XI.

All 15 members of the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 gave tough competition to each other for the playing XI. Captain Rohit Sharma seems to have confirmed Shubham Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer for the batting order. But Rohit will definitely feel confused in the other departments. So let’s have a look at India’s probable XI for the match against Bangladesh.

Who will be the wicketkeeper?

Both the wicketkeepers in the Indian squad are in great form. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant showed their class many times for Team India. But we see in recent times Indian Captain Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir backed KL Rahul for the ICC Champion Trophy. Therefore, KL Rahul is highly likely to be selected for the probable XI against Bangladesh. Rishabh Pant is a fearless wicketkeeper-batsman, but it looks like he will have to be content with sitting on the bench.

Which all-rounder will be out of the playing 11?

There are four all-rounders in the Indian squad. But it is not possible to include them all in the playing 11. So, one all-rounder will have to sit on the bench. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel will be the priority for the playing 11. is a big match player, and Axar Patel also showed outstanding games with the bat and ball in recent times. The team will select one player from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Considering experience and recent form, Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion in the playing XI is highly likely, while Washington Sundar should be rested.

Which bowlers will be able to make a place in the playing eleven?

There are five specialist bowlers in the Indian squad of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Mohammed Shami is the most experienced fast bowler in the squad. So, he will play most of the matches for Team India. His ICC tournament records are also brilliant. Then the second priority will definitely be left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. His ability to take wickets with the new ball makes him a threat to the opponents. Harshit Rana played just a few ODI games, so it looks like he will be rested in the match against Bangladesh.

They will then select one player from Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. Kuldeep Yadav has an upper hand because of his performance in big matches of ICC tournaments. Kuldeep Yadav will definitely be in India’s probable XI against Bangladesh. On the other hand, Varun Chakaravarthy played just one ODI match, so it looks like he should be rested. Although India’s head coach, Gambhir, wants Varun in the team, skipper Rohit likely preferred Kuldeep Yadav. 

India’s Probable XI against Bangladesh 

Rohit Sharma ©, Shubham Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh