Champions Trophy: Team India's strongest starting playing XI

Team India is currently playing a three-match home ODI series against England as part of their preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. They have already announced a strong squad for the tournament.

Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, all of India’s matches will be played in Dubai. This was approved under a mutually agreed hybrid model. However, there are fitness concerns over some key players, including Jasprit Bumrah. 

He is not part of the squad for the ongoing ODI series, and his chances of regaining full fitness before the tournament remain uncertain. Speaking about India’s strongest possible playing XI, skipper Rohit Sharma will open the innings alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill. 

Virat Kohli will continue at number three. Despite his recent struggles, especially in red-ball cricket, fans are hopeful he and Rohit will be at their best in the 50-over format. In the middle order, KL Rahul is expected to play as the wicketkeeper-batter ahead of Rishabh Pant, with Shreyas Iyer also in the lineup. 

Both Rahul and Iyer are capable of handling spinners well in the middle overs, especially Iyer with his aggressive batting approach. He has showcased this in recent domestic matches, whether in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

India could then go with three all-rounders—Hardik Pandya as the pace-bowling finisher, along with spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Kuldeep Yadav should feature as another spin-bowling option, with Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh as the two pacers. 

Shami’s fitness is also under observation, and this ODI series will be crucial in assessing his readiness. Meanwhile, Varun Chakaravarthy has been added to the squad for the England series, given his impressive recent form in T20Is. 

This lineup ensures India has batting depth until number eight, while Rohit Sharma will have three spin options and three pacers to maintain pressure on opponents throughout the game. If Bumrah remains unfit and considering the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai, Varun could be included at the last moment in the squad and then, possibly replacing Washington Sundar in the XI. 

Here is Team India's strongest starting playing XI for the Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.

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