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The former cricketer includes six players from India and none from his own country, Pakistan had a poor outing in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite hosts and defending champions Mohammad Rizwan-led side failed to win a single game.
Basit picked Rohit Sharma as his captain for the Champions Trophy playing XI, hailing the star for his knock in the final of the mega event.
"I have made my playing 11. I have looked at performances in Dubai. I agree that there have been big performances in Gaddafi but I have made the 11 which I felt is right. I will not go on the one made by ICC. My captain is Rohit Sharma. He has performed being a captain and his 76 in the final made the match one-sided," he on his YouTube channel 'Basit Ali' (from 7:25 onwards).
He picked New Zealand star Rachin Ravindra as his number two. The star all-rounder was awarded Player of the tournament for his iconic performance in the Champions Trophy. Apart from Rohit Sharma, he picked India's KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy.
"Rachin Ravindra at number two. 2 centuries are a big thing. There is only one player at No.3 - Virat Kohli. He is an artist and only one who plays can understand how he played. I have kept Shreyas Iyer at 4. He has improved a lot. His batting has played a big role in India's win. In the semifinal and final, he has played well and took responsibility," the former cricketer added.
"At No.5 is KL Rahul. Wicket-keeper and a complete batter. The best fielder at No.6 - Glenn Phillips. He is a dangerous bowler and a dangerous batter as well. At No.7 is Azmatullah Omarzai. He showed that he is a brilliant all-rounder in the times to come," he explained.
"Axar Patel or Mitchell Santner come next. My 70% vote is for Santner and 30% for Axar. Matt Henry at No.9. He performed well in this tournament. Shami at 10. He came from injury and bowled well here like he did in the World Cup. At 11 is Varun Chakaravarthy. The way he performed coming after two games was too good. This is my team," he concluded.
Rohit Sharma-led India were unbeaten throughout the tournament as they defeated Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in their group stage clashes. The Men in Blue defeated Australia in the semifinal to seal their spot for the final.
Here's Basit Ali's playing XI after Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma, Rachin Ravindra, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Glenn Phillips, Azmatullah Omarzai, Axar Patel/ Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy
