Aakash Chopra picks India’s probable playing XI for 2025 Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, backs Kuldeep Yadav

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has selected India’s probable playing XI for the Champions Trophy opening match against Bangladesh. Chopra feels Kuldeep Yadav will be backed in the team if Rohit Sharma takes the final call whereas he believes head coach Gautam Gambhir will prefer Varun Chakravarthy in the final XI.

Varun was added to the Champions Trophy squad after replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal. The mystery spinner impressed one and all after taking 14 wickets in five T20Is against England.

The renowned commentator also backed KL Rahul ahead of Rishabh Pant in the starting XI.

“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,” Aakash Chopra said on his 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,” Chopra added.

Chopra wants India to back Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Varun Chakravarthy.

“However, if Gautam enjoys greater preference, because I don’t know the dynamics, Varun Chakaravarthy might get an opportunity first, but my vote will be for Kuldeep Yadav,” Chopra observed.

The reputed commentator said India should definitely back Arshdeep Singh and they might back either Harshit Rana or Mohammed Shami as the second seamer.

“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 said.

Aakash Chopra’s probable playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami/Harshit Rana.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.