India played against Bangladesh in their first ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Stadium. Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, also wanted to field first.
- India left out Varun Chakaravarthy and picked Kuldeep Yadav.
- Kuldeep has more ICC event experience than Varun.
- India also dropped Arshdeep Singh and included Harshit Rana instead.
Why Did India Choose Kuldeep Yadav Over Varun Chakaravarthy?
Kuldeep Yadav returned to India’s team after an injury. He played in the England ODI series before the Champions Trophy. He was dropped for the 2nd ODI, but returned in the 3rd match to prepare for the big tournament.
One major reason for picking Kuldeep over Varun is experience in ICC tournaments. Kuldeep has been a top performer in big matches. Since the 2017 Champions Trophy, he has taken 174 wickets in 108 ODIs. His ability to handle pressure makes him a key player.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s ICC Experience
Varun has been a good bowler, but he lacks experience in big ICC events. His last major tournament was the 2021 T20 World Cup at the same stadium in Dubai. He struggled in that event, conceding too many runs.
Since Champions Trophy matches are high-pressure games, India decided to trust their proven players rather than take risks.
India’s Bowling Strategy in Champions Trophy 2025
India’s bowling attack depends on players who have performed in big tournaments. Here’s why Kuldeep Yadav was preferred:
- Best ODI wicket-taker since 2017 Champions Trophy
- Experienced in handling high-pressure situations
- Better performance in international tournaments
On the other hand, Varun Chakaravarthy has been good in bilateral series, but he hasn’t proved himself in big ICC events yet.
India’s Squad Changes
Apart from dropping Varun Chakaravarthy, India also excluded Arshdeep Singh and brought in Harshit Rana. This was another surprising decision, showing India’s focus on tested players for crucial matches.
What This Means for India in Champions Trophy 2025
India’s decision to pick Kuldeep over Varun means they are focusing on experience over recent form. While Varun has been good in 2025, he hasn’t played ICC matches recently.
This could impact India’s future matches. If Kuldeep performs well, India’s strategy will be successful. But if he struggles, questions might be raised about Varun’s exclusion.
India made tough choices for their opening Champions Trophy match. They trusted Kuldeep’s experience over Varun’s current form. As the tournament progresses, India’s decisions will be tested. Fans will be eager to see if this gamble pays off!
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