Ex-India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has named his ideal playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025, and it’s an interesting selection that features a mix of experience and youth. In his predicted lineup, Bangar has opted for Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the opening pair, followed by Virat Kohli at number three.
The middle order is where things get interesting, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul forming a potent combination. The all-rounder roles are filled by Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, who gets the nod ahead of Axar Patel. The bowling attack is completed by Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh.
So, what makes Bangar’s selection so intriguing? Let’s break it down and analyze each player’s role in the lineup.
Opening Pair: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
Bangar’s decision to pair Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill at the top of the order is a shrewd one. Rohit has been in excellent form in recent times, and his ability to play both aggressively and defensively makes him an ideal opening batsman. Gill, on the other hand, has been making waves in international cricket with his aggressive batting style and impressive strike rate. The combination of Rohit’s experience and Gill’s aggression could prove to be a deadly one.
Middle Order: Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul
The middle order is where India’s batting has been a concern in recent times, but Bangar’s selection of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul could be the answer to those prayers. Iyer has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, and his ability to play both aggressively and defensively makes him an ideal number five batsman. Rahul, on the other hand, has been struggling to find his footing in international cricket, but his ability to play both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset in the middle order.
All-Rounder Roles: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar
Bangar’s selection of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar in the all-rounder roles is a clever one. Pandya’s ability to bowl at a high pace and his aggressive batting style make him an ideal number six batsman. Jadeja, on the other hand, is a world-class spinner who can bowl both pace and spin, and his ability to play both aggressively and defensively makes him a valuable asset in the middle order. Sundar, who gets the nod ahead of Axar Patel, is a spin-bowling all-rounder who can bowl both pace and spin, and his ability to play both aggressively and defensively makes him a valuable asset in the lower middle order.
Bowling Attack: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh
Bangar’s bowling attack is a well-balanced one, with Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh forming a potent combination. Yadav is a world-class spinner who can bowl both pace and spin, and his ability to play both aggressively and defensively makes him a valuable asset in the bowling attack. Shami, on the other hand, is a pace bowling all-rounder who can bowl both pace and spin, and his ability to play both aggressively and defensively makes him a valuable asset in the bowling attack. Singh, who is still a relatively new face in international cricket, has been impressive in his limited opportunities so far, and his ability to bowl both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset in the bowling attack.
In conclusion, Bangar’s selection of his ideal playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 is an intriguing one that features a mix of experience and youth. The combination of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top of the order, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the middle order, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar in the all-rounder roles, and Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh in the bowling attack could prove to be a deadly combination.
