Chawla predicts India's playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025
What's the story
Piyush Chawla, part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad, has predicted the playing XI for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19.
He shared his insights during a Sports.Info query on the sidelines of the One World One Family Cup 2025 event on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, here is the former leg-spinner's probable playing XI for the Indian team.
Middle-order forecast
Chawla's middle-order predictions for India
Chawla expects Rohit and Shubman Gill to open the batting.
Meanwhile, he then expects Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to follow the openers in India's batting line-up.
He also predicts KL Rahul to take up the number five spot and handle wicketkeeping duties.
The lineup is likely to be bolstered by three all-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja.
The players are expected to provide balance and depth to the Indian side in the tournament.
Bowling predictions
Chawla's picks for India's bowling attack
In his predicted playing XI, Chawla has included two specialist seamers- Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
However, he mentioned that Bumrah's participation is still uncertain due to fitness concerns.
The former leg-spinner also named spinner Kuldeep Yadav in his side.
This hints at a balanced bowling attack with a mix of pace and spin for the Indian team in the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament.
Ongoing series
India's current performance and upcoming matches
India are currently engaged in a three-match ODI series against England on home soil.
Meanwhile, this is their first ODI series after their 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka in August 2024.
The Men in Blue have made a strong start, having hammered England by four wickets in the first ODI at Nagpur on February 6.
The second match of the series will be played at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack today (February 9).
Upcoming campaign
India's Champions Trophy campaign to begin soon
India's Champions Trophy journey kicks off on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
They are set to face Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2 in the group stage.
This is a critical phase in their quest for a possible victory in the tournament.
Playing XI
Chawla's Team India's playing XI
Chawla's Team India's playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami.