Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has revealed his preferred India playing XI for their opening game upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh, which will take place on February 20.

Kevin Pietersen picks India’s playing XI: Key omissions 

His selection notably excluded pacer Harshit Rana, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundar. Harshit Rana, who made his ODI debut against England, played all three matches in the recent series. He was later named in India’s final Champions Trophy squad, replacing Jasprit Bumrah, who was initially part of the provisional squad. Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy also earned his ODI cap in the same series and eventually secured a spot in the final squad, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite these in?clusions, Pietersen opted against selecting th??em in his playing XI.

Pietersen on his bowling choices

Before announcing his final XI on Star Sports, Pietersen explained his reasoning for choosing Kuldeep Yadav over Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh over Rana in the pace attack.

“Chakravarthy has been very good, but I think Kuldeep has been outstanding in terms of his performances and the numbers he has produced. I like having a left-arm seamer, so that’s why Arshdeep starts for me. The three seamers in my XI would be Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya. Then, of course, Jadeja is always my first pick, and the rest of the spin attack consists of Kuldeep and Axar Patel,” Pietersen said.

Also READ: From Jasprit Bumrah to Saim Ayub: List of players ruled out of Champions Trop??hy 2??025

Pietersen on India’s batting order

Pietersen believed India’s top order is shaping up well for the Champions ??Trophy 2025, highlighting the strong performances of key batters. Speaking on Star Sports, he emphasized the importance of KL Rahul batting at No. 5, ensuring he gets enough time at the crease to build an innings.

“One thing they’ll be happy about is that Virat Kohli got runs today. So Rohit’s got runs. Gill, Shreyas… it’s a pretty formidable start, I tell you that. I want KL Rahul at No. 5 because I want him to face more deliveries. He came in today with 17 overs to go, which allowed him time to settle and construct his innings. I don’t see KL Rahul as the kind of batter who walks in with three overs left and smashes 30 off 12 balls. He needs time to get himself in, especially in one-day cricket, and the best way to give him that opportunity is to bat him at No. 5,” Pietersen concluded.

Pietersen’s comments indicate his preference for a structured batting lineup, with Rahul playing a stabilizing role in the middle order, rather than being used as a finisher. His views also suggest confidence in India’s top four, comprising Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, as the team prepares for the high-stakes ??Champions Trophy in the UAE.

Also READ: IC?C announces warm-up fixtures for the Champions Trophy 2025

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The Champions Trophy 2025 is around the corner with preparations of the participating teams in full swing. However, amidst the coveted ICC tournament’s arrival, the Indian camp is still clouded with the controversial decision that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took after India’s defeat against Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The decision that BCCI took centered around player conduct during overseas tours and guidelines for players around bringing family and other acqua?intances during such events. Over time, the board has toned down a bit on the guidelines but has not taken its verdict back. Despite this, a PTI report suggested that a senior Indian team player approached the board to make an exception, but the board rejected it.

BCCI’s toned-down stance on bringing players�peers during overseas tours

In a new development, the BCCI appears firm in its original stanc?e but may allow certain exceptions regarding player accommodations for the Champions Trophy. According to the PTI report, while the board remains steadfast in its policy, players wishing to bring their families along will have to cover the expenses themselves.

According to the report, a senior Team India player recently sought an exemption, hoping for special consideration, but his request was ultimately denied, rei?nforcing t??he board’s strict approach to the matter.

“If anything changes then it is different, but as of now, the players are unlikely to be accompanied by their wives or partners for this tour. One of the senior players had enquired about it and he was told that the policy decision will be followed, since the tour is of less than one month, families won’t be accompanying the players. But if exceptions are made, I think that individual will have to bear the full expenses as the BCCI won’t be covering any cost,” a BCCI source told PTI.

Also Read: In??dia’s Parthiv Patel reveals the ‘da??rk horse�in Champions Trophy 2025

What was BCCI’s 10-point diktat?

The BCCI had implemented new guidelines to enhance team cohesion, discipline, and commitment to domestic cricket. Under these regulations, players must participate in domestic tourn??aments to remain eligible for national selection, with exemptions granted only? in exceptional cases. The board has also reinforced strict team travel protocols, prohibiting individual arrangements unless specifically approved by the Head Coach and Selection Committee Chairman. Additionally, personal staff, such as hairdressers and nannies, will no longer be allowed on tours without prior authorization from the BCCI.

To foster team bonding and continuity, players are required to stay with the squad until the completion of a series or tour. Non-compliance with these rules may result in disciplinary actions, including fines or suspensions. The BCCI had also introduced a revised family travel policy, permitting players�families to join tours exceeding 45 days, with shared accommodation costs covered by the board. Furthermore, players must adhere to baggage restrictions, attend full practice sessions, refrain from personal endorsements during tours, and prior?itize BCCI-related activities. These measures aim to maintain professi?onalism, focus, and unity within the team.

Also Read: Piyush Chawla picks his playing XI f?or India’s opening game? in Champions Trophy 2025

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As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins, the debate over India’s best playing XI continues to gain momentum. Former Indian cricketer and commentator Deep Dasgupta has shared his thoughts on the select??ion ??dilemma, particularly addressing the wicketkeeping role.

With KL Rahul likely to bat at No.5 in the tournament, Dasgupta has suggested that if the Karnataka lad does not feature in the top-order, Rishabh Pant should replace him in the playing XI.

Selection Debate: KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant?

KL Rahul has been a key figure in India’s middle order in ODIs, often balancing the innings with his composed batting. However, during the recent ODI series against England, he batted in multiple positions, with mixed results. His 40 off 29 balls in the third ODI showed glimpses of his ability, but questions remain about his suitability for the high-pressure Champions Trophy.

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant’s aggressive approach and explosive batting make him a strong contender for the wicketkeeper’s role. Known for his ability to take on bowlers in crunch situations, Pant could provide th?e X-factor India needs in the middle order. Dasgupta believes that Pant’s game-changing ability with the bat makes him a better fit for the team, especially in conditions where attacking batting could be crucial.

Bowlers to lead India’s charge

Another crucial aspect of Dasgupta’s selection is the pace attack. With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to injury, the onus will be on the experienced Mohammed Shami and the young Arshdeep Singh to spearhead Ind?ia’s bowling lineup. Shami, with his knack for picking wickets in crucial moments, an??d Arshdeep, known for his ability to swing the ball and deliver in death overs, form a balanced pairing.

The spin attack is equally formidable, with Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin and the all-round abilities of Axar Patel and Washington Sundar offering depth and variety. Their presence provides India with flexibility, especially in conditions favouring slow bowling.

Also READ: Gautam Gambhir names?? India’s top choice wicketkeeper for IC??C Champions Trophy 2025

Deep Dasgupta’s India XI for Champions Trophy 2025

Based on current form and team balance, Dasgup?ta has outlined his preferred India XI for the tournam??ent:

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper-batter), Hardik Pandya, Axar Pate?l, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

India’s road to the Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with India taking on Banglades??h in their opening match. India wi?ll play all their games in Dubai (UAE), making conditions a significant factor in team selections and strategies.

With India aiming for glory, getting the team combination right will be crucial. As the squad finalization approaches, the management will have to make tough decisions, particularly regarding the wicketkeeping conundrum between Rahul and Pant. Dasgupta’s insights offer a compelling argument for Pant’s inclusion, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about India’s best XI for the marquee event.

Also READ: JP Du??miny predicts t??he finalists of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated return of the ICC Champions Trophy, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has put an end to the speculation surrounding the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper. In a decisive statement, Gambhir confirmed that the current Delhi Capitals player will don the gloves ahead of Rishabh Pant for the upcoming tournament, which kicks off on February 19. This announcement comes after a series of strategic adjustments in the Indian lineup, particularly following the team’s recent performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and the ODI series against England.

Gautam Gambhir gives his verdict on India’s wicketkeeping conundrum

The debate over India’s preferred wicketkeeper has been a hot topic among fans and experts alike. Pant, known for his explosive batting and match-winning performances, was India’s primary wicketkeeper during the BGT in Australia. However, Gambhir’s pick KL Rahul, a versatile player who has seamlessly transitioned between roles, took over the gloves in the ODI series against England, leaving Pant on the bench. His decision to stick with ??R??ahul underscores the team’s emphasis on consistency and adaptability.

“KL (Rahul) is the number-one wicketkeeper, and he has delivered for us,” Gambhir stated in the post-match press conference, highlighting Rahul’s contributions in recent matches.

From a specialist batter to wicketkeeper

Rahul’s journey in the Indian team has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially playing as a specialist batter, Rahul has embraced the additional respon?sibility of wicketkeeping with aplomb. His ability to balance both roles has made?? him an invaluable asset to the team. In the third ODI against England, Rahul showcased his batting prowess with a brisk 40 off 29 balls, including three fours and a six, helping India secure a commanding 142-run victory.