Champions Trophy 2025: Kevin Petersen chooses his performance XI for the Indian opening game
former England batter Kevin Petersen It has been revealed that his favorite India is playing XI for the upcoming opening game ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Against BangladeshIt will be held on February 20th.
Kevin Pietersen chooses Indian Play XI: Important Omission
His choice specifically ruled out the pacer Harshit Lanawicketkeeper batter Rishab pantsand spin duo Varun Chakravarthy and Washington Sundaal. Harshit LanaHaving made his ODI debut against the UK, he played all three matches in his recent series. He was later selected and replaced by the Indian Final Champions Trophy team. Jasprit BumrahHe was originally part of the temporary squad. meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy He also won his ODI cap in the same series, eventually securing and trading the final team spot. Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite these inclusions, Petersen opposed choosing them in XI plays.
Petersen on his bowling choices
Before he announced his final XI Star SportsPetersen explained why he chose Kuldeep Yadav With Chakravarthy Arshdeep Singh He goes above Lana with a pace attack.
“Chakravarthy is very good, but I think Kuldeep stands out in terms of his performance and the numbers he produced. I like having a left-arm sailor so Arshdeep starts for me The three sailors in my XI are Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. Then, of course, Jadeja is always my first pick, and the rest of the spin attacks consisted of Kuldeep and Axar Patel. Masu. Petersen said.
Read again: Jasprit Bumrah to Saim Ayub: List of players excluded from Champions Trophy 2025
Petersen in Indian batting order
Petersen The top order in India is well shaped for the Champions Trophy 2025, highlighting the key batter’s strong performance. Speaking about Star Sports, he highlighted the importance of KL Rahul Batting on No. 5, leaving enough time to build the innings.
“One thing that makes them happy is that Virat Kohli ran today. Rohit is running. Gill, Shreyas… that’s a pretty scary start, I’ll tell you that. I’ll give him more. I want KL Rahul to be number 5 because I want to face a lot of delivery. He came in today with 17 overs. That gave him time to calm his innings and build. I don’t think Kl Rahul is like a batter who has walked away 30 balls from 12 balls left with 3 overs. He needs time to put himself in, especially in cricket for the day. And the best way to give him the opportunity is to hit him on the fifth. Petersen concluded.
Pietersen’s comments show his preference for a structured batting lineup, with Rahul playing a steady role in the middle order, rather than being used as a finisher. His view also suggests confidence in India’s top four. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreeyas Iyerthe team prepares for the UAE High Stakes Championships Trophy.