IND vs BAN Dream11 Prediction and Champions Trophy 2025 Match Preview
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is underway, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the clash between India (IND) and Bangladesh (BAN) in the tournament’s second match. Scheduled for February 20, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest. Below, we provide a comprehensive preview, including pitch analysis, team form, key player insights, and Dream11 fantasy cricket recommendations.
Match Details
- Fixture: India vs. Bangladesh, Match 2, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Date: February 20, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Pitch Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly surface, offering consistent bounce and carry. Historically, teams have posted substantial totals, especially when capitalizing on the initial overs. However, as the match progresses, spinners may find some assistance, making middle-over strategies crucial. Captains winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, leveraging early pitch conditions and dew factors in evening sessions.
Key Selection Decisions for Team India
1. Fast Bowlers: Shami’s Spot Secured, But Who Will Partner Him?
Mohammed Shami is confirmed to lead India’s pace attack. However, the choice between Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh for the second pacer’s role remains a hot topic.
- Arshdeep Singh has the advantage of being a left-arm pacer, adding variation to India’s attack. His ability to swing the ball under lights and execute yorkers at the death makes him a strong contender.
- Harshit Rana, on the other hand, offers raw pace and bounce, which could be effective on Dubai’s hard wickets. His performances in domestic cricket and IPL have shown promise, making him a viable option.
Given the conditions, Arshdeep might get the nod over Harshit due to his ability to exploit swing early on.
2. Three Spinners or Two? Who Will Complement Jadeja and Axar?
India is expected to go with a spin-heavy attack, considering Dubai’s slow pitches. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are automatic selections, leaving the final spot between:
- Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, known for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs.
- Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner, who could be a game-changer against a Bangladesh lineup that struggles against unorthodox spin.
Recent form suggests Varun Chakravarthy could be preferred for his unpredictability, but Kuldeep’s experience in ICC tournaments might give him an edge.
3. KL Rahul’s Batting Position: No. 5 or No. 6?
Another major question for India is where KL Rahul should bat. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter has played in multiple positions, but his best performances have come at No. 5.
- If Axar Patel is promoted to No. 5 to maintain left-right balance, Rahul may drop to No. 6.
- If India sticks with a conventional setup, Rahul should bat at No. 5, where he has been most consistent.
Team India’s Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma – Can the Senior Pros Deliver?
Despite their legendary status, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced criticism for their form in recent series. However, Rohit’s century and Kohli’s fifty against England in their last ODI series indicate that they are peaking at the right time.
This tournament could be a defining moment for both veterans, especially with Gautam Gambhir as coach, ensuring a more aggressive and fearless approach.
Shubman Gill – The Future of Indian Cricket
Shubman Gill has been India’s most consistent ODI batter in the past year. His century and two fifties against England earned him the Player of the Series award, proving his adaptability in all conditions.
His role at the top will be crucial against Bangladesh’s pacers, particularly Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.
Hardik Pandya – The X-Factor in Balance
A fully fit Hardik Pandya is invaluable to India’s setup, providing both power hitting and medium-pace bowling. His ability to finish games and contribute a few overs makes him the perfect all-rounder in Dubai’s conditions.
Bangladesh’s Challenges and Key Players
1. Absence of Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan
Bangladesh enters this game without two of their biggest stars – Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan. This puts added pressure on players like:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain) – Bangladesh’s most in-form batter, responsible for anchoring the innings.
- Mushfiqur Rahim – The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, key to Bangladesh’s middle order.
2. Mustafizur Rahman – The Death Overs Specialist
Mustafizur Rahman’s cutters and variations are well-suited for slow UAE pitches. If he can break through India’s top order early, Bangladesh could pose a serious challenge.
Head-to-Head Record: India vs. Bangladesh in ICC Tournaments
India has dominated Bangladesh in ICC events, with 8 wins in 9 meetings. However, Bangladesh has pulled off upsets before, including the 2007 World Cup group-stage shocker.
| Tournament | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 World Cup | India | 28 runs |
| 2017 Champions Trophy | India | 9 wickets |
| 2015 World Cup | India | 109 runs |
| 2011 World Cup | India | 87 runs |
| 2007 World Cup | Bangladesh | 5 wickets |
Given past records, India enters as favorites, but Bangladesh’s ability to surprise cannot be ignored.
Predicted Playing XIs
India’s Probable Playing XI
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh/Harshit Rana
- Varun Chakravarthy/Kuldeep Yadav
Bangladesh’s Probable Playing XI
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (C)
- Soumya Sarkar
- Tanzid Hasan
- Towhid Hridoy/Zakir Ali Anik
- Mushfiqur Rahim (WK)
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Nasum Ahmed
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib/Nahid Rana
Final Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand?
Why India Might Win:
✔ Stronger and more balanced squad with depth in both batting and bowling.
✔ ICC tournament experience gives them an edge in pressure situations.
✔ Rohit-Kohli-Gill trio in good form and a stable middle order.
Why Bangladesh Could Spring an Upset:
✔ Spin-friendly conditions could favor their slower bowlers.
✔ Underdog advantage – less pressure, more freedom to play attacking cricket.
✔ India’s past struggles against Bangladesh in multi-nation tournaments.
Final Verdict: India remains the favorite, but Bangladesh has the potential to exploit any weaknesses. Expect a competitive game with India likely securing a comfortable win.
- Win Probability: India 75% – Bangladesh 25%
- Likely Margin: India to win by 5+ wickets or 40+ runs
The ND vs BAN Champions Trophy 2025 clash is expected to set the tone for India’s campaign. With a strong team selection strategy and experienced core, India has everything in place to start the tournament on a winning note. However, Bangladesh’s unpredictability and spin threat mean they cannot be taken lightly.
Who will emerge victorious? We will find out soon!
