The Indian Cricket Team is all set to give their all in the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, where they will be up against the eight powerhouse teams for an enticing tournament. The selection committee has finalised the 15-member roster, and the coaching staff and captain are responsible for picking the playing XI. India, led by Virat Kohli, competed in the previous tournament's final, which Pakistan won by a landslide. 

However, eight years later, the leadership mantle and responsibility has been given to Rohit Sharma, with India looking to win the prized trophy for the first time since 2013. From experienced veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to developing talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the squad has tremendous talent that can make a significant impact. That said, here we create the strongest probable Playing XI of the Indian Cricket Team for the forthcoming tournament.

India's Strongest Probable Playing XI:

• Rohit Sharma (Captain)
• Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja/ Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Arshdeep Singh
• Mohammed Shami
• Jasprit Bumrah

(Reserve: Harshit Rana)

In the top order, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have performed admirably as an opening duo in ODI cricket. They also have much experience playing together. Rohit and Shubman were India's openers in the previous ODI World Cup. However, there is no doubt about their ability, and Indian supporters will be hoping that the captain-vice captain combo can get back into the running in the flagship event. The two talismanic batters have formed a lethal opening partnership in the last few years. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make an ODI kickstart, would be the viable backup if the initial top-order falters. 

India's middle order is one of the best positives that can be yielded from the released lineup. It possesses the correct and optimum mix of calibre and exceptional intent to change the course of the game. Virat Kohli was the leading run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023. His credentials in 50-over cricket are outstanding, which makes it a no-brainer that he gets the No.3 spot. If Kohli is in top form, India will benefit greatly, thanks to his impeccable experience. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is returning to the ODI format and has performed admirably in the 2023 World Cup. This will be his first appearance in the Champions Trophy. Shreyas' performance at No. 4 will be crucial. KL Rahul will likely wear the wicketkeeping gloves and be the ideal batter to contribute critical runs. The Karnataka-based player has a terrific record in ODIs at No. 5, making him a perfect choice for giving a robust stability to the batting core.

See Also: 3 Reasons why India cannot win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Hardik Pandya, India's most premium white-ball allrounder, should start at No.6 and give much-needed balance to the team with his power-hitting and reliable medium-pace. Ravindra Jadeja will be the spin-bowling all-rounder, slotted at No.7, known for producing memorable moments for the Indian Cricket Team. Another option that can be taken for No.7 is Axar Patel. Patel's rise in the International space of the game has been noteworthy. The left-arm off-spinner has played a crucial role in the team's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup, and it's not a surprise that he could do the same in the coming games. As it implies, about the conditions, the team can choose one of the all-rounders for a complete arsenal. After recovering from a groin injury, Kuldeep Yadav has resumed bowling at the nets. He will play a key role in the middle overs when he can grab significant wickets and shift the momentum in India's favour.

Mohammed Shami will make his much-anticipated return to international cricket. His recent domestic circuit performance has shown promise, and it will be interesting to watch how his pace and wicket-taking talents will flip the game in his team's favour. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been the star bowler for India across all forms. India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy recently, but Bumrah was crowned Player of the Tournament for outstanding performances. If Bumrah stays back due to his injuries, Harshit Rana will replace the lethal pacer. He will lead the bowling assault once more. Arshdeep Singh has been a regular for India in the Twenty20 format, but he has yet to establish himself in the One-Day Internationals, and this should be the right platform for it. The left-arm seamer will provide a fresh dimension to the team.

Overall, this squad combines seasoned veterans and developing talent to provide a balanced and competitive advantage in the competition. However, player fitness and form will determine the final selection as the competition advances.