In-form India face Bangladesh in Champions Trophy: Match Preview

The UAE leg of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy commences with an encounter between India and Bangladesh.

India and Bangladesh Set to Face Off in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Opener

India’s Quest for Glory in Champions Trophy 2025

• Previous Success: India, who were the finalists in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and winners of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, are aiming to make a statement in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 right from the start.
• Past Champions: India has a rich history in the Champions Trophy, having previously won the tournament in 2002 (co-winners with Sri Lanka) and 2013.
• Rohit Sharma’s Leadership: Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India is looking to dominate early in the tournament and secure a strong win over Bangladesh in their opening match.
• Key Absence: India will be without their premier bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who is sidelined due to a back injury. Instead, the team will rely on a spin-heavy attack to perform well in the competition.

Bangladesh’s Challenge in the Tournament

• Bangladesh’s History Against India: Bangladesh has been known to surprise big teams in major tournaments. They will take inspiration from their 2007 World Cup heroics against India and aim to upset their more-favored neighbors.
• Experienced Side: The Bengal Tigers will look to their experienced players to come good in their tournament opener against India.

Squads for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

• India:
  • Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
• Bangladesh:
  • Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Nahid Rana.

How to Watch ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Fans can watch all the action live through official broadcasters and streaming platforms. Check local listings for further details on how to tune in.

Recent Form of Both Teams:

• India:
  • Strong Recent Form: India enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with an impressive record, having recently swept England 3-0 in a three-match ODI series.
  • India also had a dominant showing in the five-match T20I series against England, winning 4-1. These victories have built confidence within the squad, which now looks set to continue their winning momentum into the Champions Trophy.
• Bangladesh:
  • Struggling for Consistency: Bangladesh’s recent form has been less than ideal. They have not played any cricket since December 2024, when they toured the West Indies.
  • Poor ODI Series Against West Indies: Bangladesh was handed a heavy defeat in the three-match ODI series, losing 3-0. However, they made a strong recovery in the T20Is, winning all three matches.
  • Loss to Afghanistan: Prior to the West Indies tour, Bangladesh was also defeated 2-1 in an ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE, further adding to their inconsistent form.

Key Players to Watch:

• India—Arshdeep Singh:
  • With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, all eyes will be on Arshdeep Singh, the 26-year-old left-arm pacer. He will have the responsibility of leading the new-ball attack and could be crucial in filling the big void left by Bumrah’s absence. His ability to deliver in pressure situations could be key to India’s success in the tournament.
• Bangladesh—Mehidy Hasan Miraz:
  • Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the 27-year-old all-rounder, is in the form of his life and will be crucial for Bangladesh’s chances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
  • Strong Performance in the West Indies: Miraz impressed during Bangladesh’s West Indies tour in December, where he scored 152 runs in three ODIs at an average of 50.66. He also claimed eight wickets in the T20I series, proving his worth with both bat and ball.
  • Miraz’s all-round abilities could be key for Bangladesh to make an impact in the tournament, especially in a spin-heavy contest.

Conclusion:

• India enters the Champions Trophy 2025 as one of the favorites, buoyed by their strong recent form and historical success in the tournament.
• Bangladesh, while facing challenges in terms of recent form, will look to their experienced players and the spark of individual brilliance to create a major upset in their opener.
• This clash between India and Bangladesh promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to start their campaign with a victory.