Champions Trophy 2025: India Aim for Dominant Start Against Bangladesh in Tournament Opener

Rohit Sharma-led India eyes a strong start despite Bumrah’s absence; Bangladesh looks to spring a surprise

Dubai [UAE], February 20: Two-time ICC Champions Trophy winners India will kick off their 2025 campaign with a high-voltage clash against Bangladesh in Dubai. The 2023 World Cup finalists and reigning T20 World Cup champions will look to extend their dominance in global events, despite missing their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

India, who shared the 2002 Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka and won the 2013 edition under MS Dhoni, will rely on their spin-heavy attack in Dubai’s conditions. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, known for their unpredictability in ICC tournaments, will take inspiration from their 2007 World Cup victory against India and their spin prowess to challenge the tournament favorites.

India’s Recent Form: Momentum on Their Side

The Men in Blue enter the Champions Trophy in red-hot form after a dominant 3-0 ODI series win against England and a convincing 4-1 T20I series victory over the same opposition. Their seven wins in the last month have boosted their confidence, making them one of the strongest contenders for the title.

Bangladesh’s Recent Form: An Inconsistent Run

Unlike India, Bangladesh’s last international outing was in December, where they endured a 3-0 ODI series loss against the West Indies but bounced back to clean sweep the T20I series. Before that, they lost a 2-1 ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE. The lack of recent match practice could be a concern for Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s side.

Players to Watch

🇮🇳 India: Arshdeep Singh

With Bumrah out due to a back injury, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh will be under the spotlight. The 26-year-old has shown promise with the new ball, having picked up 14 wickets in 9 ODIs at an impressive average of 23.00. His ability to swing the ball and bowl in death overs will be crucial.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Bangladesh’s 27-year-old all-rounder is a key asset with both bat and ball. During Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies in December, he amassed 152 runs in three ODIs at an average of 50.66 while striking at 84.91. His off-spin will also play a major role in restricting India’s star-studded batting lineup.

Squads

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.

Bangladesh:

Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.

With India’s batting firepower and Bangladesh’s spin attack, fans can expect an exciting contest in Dubai as both teams kickstart their Champions Trophy journey.

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Tags: Champions Trophy 2025, India vs Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Arshdeep Singh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Dubai Cricket, ICC Cricket, Cricket News