Best India Playing XI: India en route to bring back Best ODI XI in ICC Champions Trophy

The Border Gavaskar Trophy is now in the past. After the humiliating 3-1 loss to the Aussies, the India Cricket Team now turns its attention to the ICC Champions Trophy. With the chance of another silverware on the horizon, India should bring back the Dream ODI XI that went on to reach the finals of the ODI World Cup in 2023.

India should plan on bringing the band back. In reality that is the strongest playing XI that India has fielded in recent years. Back in 2023, the Rohit Sharma-led side went all the way to the finals, only to lose out on the trophy to Australia on that ultimate day. But now once again back in the ODI format, can the same team get lucky on their second try?

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3 openers, 2 spots – Yashasvi Jaiswal last in pecking in ICC Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma & Shubman Gill to Open

It is all fair that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill get the chance to open the innings for the country. While Yashasvi Jaiswal has been good in Tests and T20Is, the southpaw is yet to get his debut in the 50-over format. Reports too claim that Jaiswal will be a part of the squad and will be available as a backup opener.

Both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill played very well in the ODI World Cup. And after their poor form in the IND vs AUS Test series, the duo will be keen to revive their previous form. Even so, it will also be a testament for Rohit Sharma to shut his critics after his devastating performance in Australia. This can also be the last chance for Rohit to quite possibly lift an ICC Trophy as the captain of the Indian side.

Solid top order ft. Kohli & Iyer

Virat Kohli was the highest run-getter in the ODI World Cup 2023 as he looked like a man possessed to prove his point. And that would be the case with him now. Last year in 2024, he got his chance to taste another ICC silverware when he lifted the T20 World Cup. And now after 12 years, he has the chance of lifting the ICC Champions Trophy. And given how Kohli has stepped up on big occasions, it is only natural that the chase master steps up right when the time is correct.

While Kohli’s form has dipped considerably, we can expect the veteran batter to step up in this crucial tournament. On the other hand, things have not been good for Shreyas Iyer. After his impressive performance in the last World Cup, he was snubbed off his BCCI Central contract for failing to play domestic cricket.

After the appointment of Gautam Gambhir, Iyer returned to the ODIs for the Sri Lanka series where the Men in Blue lost. But now with a clean slate in the New Year, Shreyas Iyer will be hungry to score more runs. He naturally retains his spot at number 4 while Kohli will don his favorite 3rd position.

KL Rahul over Pant, Hardik & Jadeja as backbone

KL Rahul was India’s keeper in the ODIs and he was at his best. Coming to bat in the middle order he raked up runs and managed to score a century and a couple of fifties. As things stand, he is ahead of Rishabh Pant in the pecking order in ODIs. Ever since his return to cricket, Pant has played Tests and T20Is but hasn’t played in ODIs.

This means he will be a backup keeper while KL Rahul retains his place. Furthermore, KL Rahul in the middle order brings the calmness and stability to recover innings should the strong top-order fail.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya’s last ODI came in the World Cup against Bangladesh where he picked up an ankle injury. HE returned to full fitness and played in the T20 World Cup and won the trophy for India. Naturally, he and Ravindra Jadeja are there as the all-rounders on the side.

Hardik Pandya offers the place of a fourth pacer in the squad and his ability to finish innings with Jadeja greatly improves the batting strength of the Men in Blue.

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Champions Trophy: 3 way fight between Kuldeep, Axar & Washington for place in India Playing XI

Kuldeep Yadav – India’s specialist spinner

It will be a three-way fight for the specialist spinner’s spot in the team. Kuldeep Yadav will face competition from Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the team. While India will have a spinner in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, the presence of a specialist in the form of Kuldeep will greatly improve the squad.

While both Axar and Washi are handy with the bat, Kuldeep’s ability to turn with the ball in slow tracks and pick wickets at regular intervals sets him apart from the rest. The X-Factor which the leggie brings will also be an added bonus to the side.

Bumrah, Shami, Siraj – India’s Best Pace Trio

India’s best pace attack consists of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. While the participation of Bumrah hangs in doubt, Shami is set to be back into the squad. Bumrah has been great in recent times. his exploits in the BGT set him apart from the rest, where he scalped 32 wickets in 5 Test matches.

On the other hand, Mohammed Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the last World Cup despite not playing the opening couple of matches. He is set to be back in action in the IND vs ENG series and will be raring to go in the ICC tournament. With high hopes pinned on him, Shami will surely rise to the task.

Mohammed Siraj has been fairly inconsistent but has also performed in patches. The pacer will get a huge burst of self-confidence when he pairs up with Shami and Bumrah. And with the three pacers back in the hunt, India will surely go for the kill.