Thu Feb 20 07:12:29 UTC 2025: ## India Favored to Begin Champions Trophy Campaign Against Bangladesh

**Dubai, UAE** – India will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday. Despite the absence of injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, the Rohit Sharma-led team enters the tournament as favorites following a 3-0 whitewash of England. Rohit and Virat Kohli’s improved form after recent struggles against Australia and New Zealand will also bolster India’s confidence.

India is expected to field a spin-heavy attack, with three spinners and two pacers likely to feature in the opening match. Veteran pacer Mohammad Shami is tipped to lead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, with the promising Harshit Rana potentially missing out. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to secure spots in the eleven due to their all-round capabilities, leaving Kuldeep Yadav as the favored specialist spinner over Varun Chakravarthy, who is reportedly carrying a minor injury.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be looking to spring an upset. Their predicted XI features a blend of experience and youth.

**Predicted Playing XIs:**

**India:** Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.

**Bangladesh:** Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana

The match promises a compelling contest between two strong teams, with India’s strong batting lineup and spin-heavy bowling attack posing a significant challenge for Bangladesh.

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