Rohit Sharma-led India are currently in Dubai for the Champions Trophy 2025 where they will face Bangladesh on their opener clash which will take place at Dubai International Stadium on February 20. The upcoming assignment will be first ICC tournament for Gautam Gambhir as head coach. The Men in Blue recently faced a lot of criticism after they lost a five-Test match series in Australia. Before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the Men in Blue lost a three-Test match series against New Zealand and a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Champions Trophy 2025, thus, is a chance of mega redemption for Gambhir and Rohit.
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out, all eyes will be on India's playing XI for their opening clash against Bangladesh. During India's final practice session, head coach Gambhir was spotted having a lengthy chat with veteran spin-allrounder Ravindra Jadeja before he hugged the player.
The official broadcasters of the mega event were intrigued by the act and former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar was asked whether the 'hug' meant that Jadeja would be left out of the playing XI vs Bangladesh. Bangar believes that featuring without Jadeja will be difficult but playing three pacers may be in the game plan for India. He added Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav could be the two spinners against Bangladesh.
India skipper Rohit also confirmed that Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav are fit to feature in the Champions Trophy.
"Bowling fitness is fine (Shami). We wanted Shami to get back to bowling fitness. He has played some games. Whatever I have seen of him so far is perfect, fine. He has done the job for us over the years. Hopefully, he can find some rhythm in this tournament. Kuldeep has returned after a hernia operation. He looks quite confident, and if both perform, then it is great for us," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.
After finishing the opener clash against Bangladesh, the Men in Blue will face Pakistan in their second league match on February 23 at the same venue. The Champions Trophy is taking place in a hybrid model where matches featuring India will take place in Dubai.