The India Playing XI debate has gained traction ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 Final. Despite remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament and dominating Australia in the semifinal, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that some areas still need improvement.
“India has played exceptionally well, but there are key areas where they can improve,” said Gavaskar.
India’s Flawless Run So Far
Team India has been in phenomenal form, winning all their matches convincingly. They breezed through the group stage and delivered a commanding performance against Australia in the semifinal.
Key Performances In The Tournament
- Dominant batting from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul.
- Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling attack.
- Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav controlling the middle overs with spin.
Areas That Need Improvement
While the team has been outstanding, Gavaskar pointed out a few aspects that could be better.
1. More Wickets In The Middle Overs
- India has kept the run rate in check but hasn’t taken many wickets in the middle overs.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel need to be more attacking in the middle phase.
2. Stronger Opening Partnerships
- The opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have not had many successful partnerships.
- A steady start will be crucial in the high-pressure final.
3. Early Wickets With The New Ball
- India’s pacers haven’t been able to take enough wickets in the first 10 overs.
- Bumrah and Shami need to strike early to put pressure on New Zealand.
Possible Changes In India’s Playing XI
With these areas in focus, could India make last-minute changes?
Potential Adjustments:
- Mohammed Siraj in place of Harshit Rana for a more aggressive pace attack.
- Sanju Samson as a batting backup in case of last-minute injuries.
- Kuldeep Yadav given an attacking role to pick wickets in the middle overs.
The Final Battle: India vs. New Zealand
New Zealand has always been a tough opponent in ICC tournaments. However, India’s form and strategy could be the deciding factors.
Key Players To Watch
- Rohit Sharma: Needs to provide a solid start.
- Mohammed Shami: Crucial for early breakthroughs.
- Kuldeep Yadav: Can be the game-changer in the middle overs.
- Shubman Gill: Expected to anchor the innings.
Final Thoughts
The India Playing XI debate remains open, but with fine-tuning, India has the potential to secure their third Champions Trophy title. Will they stick with their winning combination or make strategic changes? The final showdown awaits!
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