Champions Trophy 2025: Aakash Chopra predicts India's playing XI versus Bangladesh

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has predicted India's playing XI for their opening encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh, on Thursday, February 20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai. He reckoned that Kuldeep Yadav would get an opportunity in the side if Rohit Sharma is taking the final call.

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy begins on Wednesday, February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. India will be playing their matches in Dubai against Bangladesh (February 20), Pakistan (February 23), and New Zealand (March 2).

Chopra picked KL Rahul as India's wicketkeeper against Bangladesh ahead of Rishabh Pant. Meanwhile, he backed Kuldeep to feature in the playing XI ahead of Varun Chakravarthy if skipper Rohit makes the call. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator felt that Chakaravarthy would get the nod ahead of Kuldeep if head coach Gautam Gambhir had more of a say concerning the team selection.

"What could be India's playing XI on the 20th? Shubman Gill with Rohit Sharma, the captain and vice-captain will open. There shouldn't be any question asked about No. 3 because run-machine (Virat) Kohli will be there. Shreyas Iyer has to be there at No. 4," Chopra said while speaking on his official YouTube channel.

"I see Axar Patel batting at No. 5 and I am thinking Rahul at No. 6 and Hardik Pandya at No. 7. Then you are looking at Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8. If Rohit Sharma is taking all the calls, then I see Kuldeep playing. However, if Gautam enjoys greater preference because I don't know the dynamics, Varun Chakravarthy might get an opportunity first, but my vote will be for Kuldeep Yadav," he observed.

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Arshdeep Singh will 100 percent be in my team: Chopra

Besides, Aakash Chopra also backed Arshdeep Singh to make it to the playing XI. The former said that Mohammed Shami should be the frontrunner as Arshdeep's new-ball partner. However, if the Bengal seamer doesn't look in great rhythm, young Harshit Rana could get a go.

"Arshdeep Singh will 100 percent be in my team. From the other end, if Mohammed Shami is looking perfect, then Mohammed Shami, or else you could see Harshit Rana playing because he is not bowling well with the new ball but is pulling his weight in the side in the middle and end overs," Chopra concluded.