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Bangladesh, a team that has consistently featured in ICC tournaments, will step into the Champions Trophy 2025 with a burning desire to make a lasting impact. Despite being regular participants on the global stage, their performances in recent years have lacked consistency, preventing them from establishing themselves among the cricketing elites. However, history offers them a glimmer of hope—Bangladesh reached the semi-finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy, proving that they are capable of competing at the highest level.
Disappointing form ahead of the tournament
Ahead of the marquee event, Bangladesh suffered a setback with a series loss to the West Indies, raising concerns over their form and preparedness. The team has struggled with both batting and bowling inconsistencies, making a resurgence crucial if they are to stay competitive in a challenging group.
Key players to lead the charge
The onus will be on Bangladesh’s senior players to guide the team through a demanding tournament. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be expected to play a pivotal role with both bat and ball, while the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim will anchor the middle order. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto must lead from the front, providing stability in the top order, whereas pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman will be relied upon to deliver breakthroughs, especially in pressure situations.
Aiming for a strong campaign
With a mix of experienced campaigners and young talents, Bangladesh will be eager to prove their critics wrong and make their presence felt in the tournament. Whether they can overcome their recent struggles and replicate their 2017 success remains to be seen, but the Tigers are certainly gearing up for a fierce battle in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Key details, Qualification process, and Reserve Day rules for Knockout games
Bangladesh’s predicted playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 game against India
1. Tanzid Hasan (Opener)
- Role: Aggressive opening batter
- Strengths: Known for his attacking stroke play, especially against pace, Tanzid provides Bangladesh with quick starts at the top.
- Expectations: He will be expected to take on India’s new-ball attack and lay a solid foundation for the middle order.
2. Soumya Sarkar (Top-Order Batter)
- Role: Versatile top-order batter, part-time medium pacer
- Strengths: His experience, along with the ability to play counter-attacking knocks, makes him a key player against India’s seamers. He can also contribute with the ball when needed.
- Expectations: Sarkar needs to provide stability in case of an early wicket and use his all-round skills effectively.
3. Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Captain, Middle-Order Batter)
- Role: Anchor in the middle order, team leader
- Strengths: Shanto has developed into Bangladesh’s most reliable batter, especially in pressure situations. His leadership will be crucial in handling India’s world-class attack.
- Expectations: He will be required to hold the innings together and lead from the front, ensuring Bangladesh posts a competitive total.
4. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (All-Rounder)
- Role: Batting all-rounder, off-spinner
- Strengths: A dependable all-rounder, Miraz provides crucial middle-order runs and is a game-changer with his disciplined off-spin.
- Expectations: He needs to contribute with both bat and ball, especially in slowing down India’s aggressive batters in the middle overs.
5. Towhid Hridoy (Middle-Order Batter)
- Role: Explosive middle-order batter
- Strengths: Hridoy is known for his ability to accelerate in the middle and death overs, making him a vital asset in Bangladesh’s lineup.
- Expectations: He must play the role of a finisher, taking on India’s bowlers in the latter half of the innings.
6. Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Role: Experienced middle-order batter
- Strengths: His experience, sharp wicketkeeping skills, and ability to play spin effectively make him a key player against India.
- Expectations: He will be required to guide the younger players and play a composed innings in crunch situations.
7. Jaker Ali (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Role: Wicketkeeper, lower-middle order batter
- Strengths: Jaker has the ability to play innovative strokes and accelerate towards the end of an innings.
- Expectations: If included in the XI, he will be expected to provide finishing touches and ensure a strong total for Bangladesh.
8. Mustafizur Rahman (Fast Bowler)
- Role: Lead pacer, death-over specialist
- Strengths: Mustafizur’s variations, especially his off-cutters and slower deliveries, make him a potent threat against India’s batters.
- Expectations: He will be expected to provide early breakthroughs and control the death overs.
9. Taskin Ahmed (Fast Bowler)
- Role: Strike bowler, new-ball specialist
- Strengths: With express pace and the ability to extract bounce, Taskin can trouble India’s top order.
- Expectations: He must be aggressive with the new ball and pick up early wickets to put India under pressure.
10. Rishad Hossain (Leg-Spinner)
- Role: Attacking wrist-spinner
- Strengths: His ability to extract turn and deceive batters with variations can be crucial, especially in middle overs.
- Expectations: He needs to take key wickets in the middle phase to disrupt India’s batting rhythm.
11. Nahid Rana (Fast Bowler)
- Role: Young pace bowler
- Strengths: Has raw pace and can generate bounce, making him a valuable asset against aggressive batters.
- Expectations: If given a chance, he will need to maintain control and complement Mustafizur and Taskin in the pace attack.
