For the next Champions Trophy 2025, Suresh Raina chose India’s playing XI, benching seasoned players Mohammed Shami and KL Rahul. Both players were unable to make a substantial contribution during the just concluded series against England for a variety of reasons.
Rahul only got 12 runs in the first two games after the team management moved him down to No. 6 in the batting order. The wicketkeeper-batter made a solid cameo of 40 off 29 balls after being promoted to No. 5 for the third ODI. Shami played in the first two ODIs but was rested in the third. At an average of 52 and an economy rate of 6.57, he claimed two wickets. The 34-year-old did, however, participate in an ODI series following a protracted injury absence. Experts believe he will get back into his rhythm with more match practice.
But Raina decided not to include them in his starting lineup. Washington Sundar and Varun Chakaravarthy, two more players, were unable to get spots on the team.
Suresh Raina has predicted that the following players will start: Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma (C), and Rishabh Pant (WK).
Having Kuldeep Yadav: Suresh Raina will be vital.
Raina, who played on the Indian squad that won the Champions Trophy in 2013, said that Kuldeep Yadav will be important because of his ability to create pressure and take wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav will be essential because Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja bowl brilliantly in the middle overs, containing from stump to stump. Then, especially when playing Pakistan, who are masters of the sweep stroke, he can add his own twist. In New Zealand, left-handers are common. According to Raina, “Kuldeep’s ability to generate pressure and compel batters to take big shots can result in wickets,” she said on Star Sports.
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