India’s Best Playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025

India announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday, January 18. Captain Rohit Sharma attended a press conference alongside Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar to reveal the squad.

Shubman Gill has been retained as the vice-captain, while Mohammed Siraj has been left out. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are the two wicketkeeping options available as the in-form Sanju Samson failed to make the cut. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh are the only frontline pacers picked in the side as the management has shown a lot of faith in Hardik Pandya's bowling ability and fitness.

Kuldeep Yadav is the only specialist spinner in the lineup as India has opted to pick three spin-bowling all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make his ODI debut, has been called up as the backup opener.

India’s Best Playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025:

Openers: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC)

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have done well as an opening pair in ODI cricket. They also have a lot of experience of playing together. Rohit and Shubman were India's openers during their last 50-over ICC event, which was the ODI World Cup.

Both of them have not had a great time in international cricket of late. However, there is no doubt about their class, and Indian fans will hope that the captain-vice captain duo get back among the runs in the marquee event.