India will begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Thursday. Both of these two teams will aim to kick off their tournament on a high and tick the right boxes.
In the last edition of the Champions Trophy 2017, these two teams met in the semifinal clash, which India comprehensively won by nine wickets with Rohit Sharma scoring a magnificent century whereas Virat Kohli, captain at that time, aggregating 96 runs.
Meanwhile, on the tour of the West Indies in late 2024, Bangladesh suffered a 0-3 loss and they will need to be at their best to challenge the potent Indian team. Furthermore, the Tigers will miss the services of their talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Ergo, players like Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, and Mustafizur Rahman will need to step up.
On the other hand, India recently whitewashed England by 3-0 and they will be confident of going all the way in the eight-team tournament. Rohit Sharma’s team has had a disappointing last four-five months in the red-ball format and they would look to turn the tables in the 50-over version.
The major ICC event always holds a special importance among the fans and India would look to come up with a collective effort. All eyes will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been under the pump for their recent performances. Moreover, there is no doubt that India will miss the services of their gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Interestingly, India has picked a spin-heavy attack as Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel has backed five spinners in the squad.
Match Prediction: India will definitely start the contest as favorites against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
