KL Rahul To Be Dropped From India Squad For ICC Champions Trophy: Reports

Reports circulating online suggest that wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul might be excluded from another ICC tournament. Rahul, who underperformed with the bat during the Sri Lanka series, missed a crucial chance to secure his spot in the playing XI. Consequently, captain Rohit Sharma may opt for other players over the Karnataka star.

India, fresh off their T20 World Cup 2024 victory, aims to add more ICC trophies to their collection. Their next opportunity arises at the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025. Rohit Sharma aspires to become only the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to win this trophy.

India's Predicted Line-Up

The opening slots will likely be occupied by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit will lead the team, while Gill serves as the vice-captain of the ODI side. This arrangement means Yashasvi Jaiswal will miss out on a spot in the playing XI. Virat Kohli is expected to bat at number three, aiming for another stellar ICC tournament performance.

Shreyas Iyer is set to take the number four position in the batting order. Despite not having a central contract, Iyer remains a key player in India's 50-over format. Rishabh Pant is anticipated to be the first-choice wicketkeeper over KL Rahul.

All-Rounders and Bowlers

Hardik Pandya has been tasked with consistently bowling 10 overs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and will serve as India's main pace-bowling all-rounder. With no definitive plans for Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs, Axar Patel is expected to fill the role of spin-bowling all-rounder.

Kuldeep Yadav will be India's primary spinner for the Champions Trophy 2025. The pace attack will feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami. Although Shami has been injured since the end of the ODI World Cup 2023, India hopes he will recover in time for this crucial tournament.

The predicted Playing XI for India includes: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.