India's Strongest Playing XI for the Champions Trophy, India's Practice Match Details

As the Champions Trophy returns after eight years, fans are predicting India's playing 11 for the tournament. India is one of the strongest contenders to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as it was a finalist in the recent ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This article will discuss India's strongest playing 11 for the Champions Trophy and how many practice matches India will play before the Champions Trophy. 

 India's Strongest Playing XI

Openers

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open the innings for India, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the backup opener.

Middle Order

Virat Kohli will be playing at third number. For the fourth no. Shreyas Iyer is the top contender. 

Wicket-keeper 

KL Rahul will probably be the wicketkeeper of the playing XI in the first match and act as a backup wicketkeeper.

All-rounders 

Hardik Pandya is the obvious choice for the 6th number, while Ravindra Jadeja will be seen at the number 7. 

Spinners 

Along with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, who will be in the playing 11, Axar Patel will most likely be part of the squad as the backup spinner and all-rounder.

Pacers

Jasprit Bumrah, who will reportedly be the vice-captain of the team, will lead the pace attack in the Champions Trophy. Subject to availability, Mohammed Shami will be one of the main pacers in the XI, while Mohammed Siraj will be Team India's third pacer.

India's Expected Squad For the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 

India's Practice Match in Champions Trophy 

India is expected to play at least one practice match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to familiarize themselves with the conditions. The date and opponent are still to be decided. Before participating in the Champions Trophy, India will be playing an ODI series against England.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Full Schedule