IND vs BAN LIVE Score, Champions Trophy 2025: Axar In, Jadeja Out; Arshdeep to Replace Bumrah as India Opens Campaign

The Champions Trophy 2025 is finally here, and India is set to begin its campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. As the tournament makes a comeback after eight years, India enters the event as one of the strongest contenders, having finished as runners-up in 2017.

However, there are significant team changes ahead of the opening match. Axar Patel replaces Ravindra Jadeja, and with Jasprit Bumrah ruled out, Arshdeep Singh is set to lead India’s pace attack. With rain in the air and overcast conditions expected, teams will have to strategize carefully, especially with the cloud cover favoring pacers in the second half of the game.

India vs Bangladesh: Live Weather and Pitch Report

📌 Weather Update:

✔️ Unusual rain in Dubai has already delayed sporting events, including a tennis tournament.
✔️ Rain is expected on match morning, but the forecast remains clear for the rest of the day.
✔️ Overcast conditions in the evening could favor fast bowlers, especially the team bowling second.

📌 Pitch Report:

✔️ Dubai pitches tend to be slower and lower, making it harder for batters.
✔️ The surface could assist spinners, but seamers might get early movement due to the weather.
✔️ India will monitor the conditions closely before finalizing the playing XI.

Bangladesh’s Recent Form: Can They Spring an Upset?

Bangladesh has been struggling for form heading into the Champions Trophy. Since the 2023 World Cup, they have played 12 ODIs, winning only four and losing eight.

Bangladesh’s Recent ODI Form:

❌ Lost 3-0 to West Indies (who didn’t even qualify for the tournament).
❌ Lost a warm-up match to Pakistan Shaheens.
❌ Struggled in the tri-series leading up to the event.

Despite their poor form, Bangladesh has a history of surprising stronger teams, especially in major tournaments. With a bowling attack featuring Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, they cannot be written off entirely.

India vs Bangladesh: A Growing Rivalry

While India vs Pakistan is cricket’s biggest rivalry, the India vs Bangladesh feud has intensified over the years. It all began when Virender Sehwag downplayed Bangladesh before the 2011 World Cup, referencing their 2007 World Cup upset over India.

Head-to-Head in ODIs:

✅ India leads 32-8.
✅ Last ODI Encounter: 2023 World Cup – India won comfortably after Bangladesh collapsed from 93/0 to 256 all out.
✅ India has dominated ICC tournaments against Bangladesh, but the Tigers have produced unexpected results in the past.

With Bangladesh featuring a mix of youth and experience, they cannot be taken lightly.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign: Key Challenges

Playing in UAE Instead of Pakistan

India’s participation in the hybrid model means they will play all their matches in Dubai, while Pakistan hosts the rest of the tournament.

• The batting-friendly tracks in Pakistan have helped teams rack up big scores in the tri-series and opening match.
• India would have benefited from playing on such pitches, but in Dubai, slower wickets could make batting trickier.

Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching Challenge

Newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has had a rough start to his tenure, with:

❌ Test series losses to New Zealand (home) and Australia (away).

The Champions Trophy presents his first ICC tournament as a coach, and failure will not be tolerated. A strong start is crucial for India and Gambhir.

Absence of Jasprit Bumrah

India’s biggest setback is the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who has not recovered from his back issue.

✔️ Bumrah’s Impact:

• Played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup victory.
• His absence means Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will have to step up.

Despite missing Bumrah, India remains a well-balanced unit capable of dominating the tournament.

India’s Team Selection: Strengths & Weaknesses

🛡️ India’s Batting Strengths

✅ Shubman Gill is the world’s No.1-ranked ODI batter, averaging nearly 60.
✅ Rohit Sharma has found form again with a recent century in Cuttack.
✅ Shreyas Iyer fits perfectly into India’s new ODI strategy.
✅ Virat Kohli is due for a big tournament performance after struggling in the England series.

⚠️ Bowling Concerns

❌ India lacks an extra pacer, which could hurt them in certain conditions.
❌ Reliance on spinners: Five frontline spinners (Axar, Kuldeep, Chakravarthy, Sundar, Jadeja) could backfire if the pitch favors seamers.
❌ Hardik Pandya’s fitness: India needs Hardik to bowl regularly to balance the attack.

🚨 Selection Updates

🔹 Axar Patel replaces Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI.
🔹 Harshit Rana could be preferred over Arshdeep Singh for extra pace.
🔹 India’s spin attack remains their biggest strength, capable of bowling 30 quality overs per game.

India’s Momentum: Can They Overcome a Lack of ODI Matches?

Since the 2023 World Cup, India has played just six ODIs—the fewest of any team in the tournament.

However, they gained confidence after a 3-0 whitewash of England, proving that despite limited game time, this team is:

✔️ Well-rounded
✔️ Experienced in big tournaments
✔️ Capable of handling pressure

As they look to secure a second consecutive ICC trophy, India must start strong against Bangladesh and build momentum for their clash against Pakistan on February 23.

Can India Start with a Win?

With a well-balanced squad, a strong batting lineup, and a world-class spin attack, India enters the Champions Trophy as one of the favorites. However, they must:

✅ Adapt to slower UAE conditions.
✅ Avoid complacency against Bangladesh.
✅ Ensure their bowling attack fires without Bumrah.

With the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown approaching, a win in the opener is crucial.

📢 Stay tuned for all LIVE updates, expert insights, and match highlights from the Champions Trophy 2025! 🏏🔥