Champions Trophy SF: Predicted Playing XI for IND vs AUS Clash

Photo: Instagram/@cricketaustralia

The cricket fever is at its peak in Dubai as two of the strongest teams in the world, India and Australia, get ready for a high-pressure semi-final clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a spot in the grand final on Sunday at stake, both teams are prepared to give it their all. The match is not just about skills and strategies; it is also about history, rivalry, and the burning desire to win.

A Battle With a History

The memories of 2023 are still fresh for Indian fans. Australian captain Pat Cummins had famously said, "There's nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent," after defeating India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. While Cummins is not playing this time, India still faces the same challenge—overcoming Australia’s dominance in ICC knockout matches.

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Since their World Cup quarter-final clash in 2011, India and Australia have faced each other four times in ICC ODI tournaments. Both teams have won two games each, but Australia has always had the upper hand when it mattered the most. India’s wins came in the group stages of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. However, Australia emerged victorious in the 2015 semi-finals and the 2023 final. Now, they meet again in another crucial knockout match, where every decision and every move will be significant.

India’s Playing XI: Spin or Balance?

One of the biggest questions for India is whether to rely on spin or go for a balanced bowling attack. The team has the option of playing four spinners, but if they go with three, the selection could be tricky. Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul against New Zealand has made him a strong contender, making the final XI selection even tougher.

The semi-final will be played on the same pitch where India played Pakistan on February 23. This means the conditions will play a big role in deciding the playing XI. The team management must choose wisely to ensure they have the best combination.

India’s Probable Playing XI:

1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)

2. Shubman Gill

3. Virat Kohli

4. Shreyas Iyer

5. Axar Patel

6. KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)

7. Hardik Pandya

8. Ravindra Jadeja

9. Kuldeep Yadav

10. Mohammed Shami

11. Varun Chakravarthy

India’s Full Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.

Australia’s Changes: Connolly to Debut?

Australia has been forced to make changes to their team. Matt Short has been ruled out due to injury, and Cooper Connolly has been added to the squad. Given the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai, Connolly, a left-arm spinning all-rounder, is expected to make his debut in this high-stakes match.

Short’s absence leaves a gap in Australia’s batting lineup. The team now has to decide who will open the innings with Travis Head. Josh Inglis, who has experience as an opener, seems like the most suitable choice. Meanwhile, if the pitch favors spin, Australia may also consider playing Tanveer Sangha as their second frontline spinner.

Australia’s Probable Playing XI:

1. Travis Head

2. Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper)

3. Steven Smith (Captain)

4. Marnus Labuschagne

5. Cooper Connolly

6. Alex Carey

7. Glenn Maxwell

8. Ben Dwarshuis

9. Nathan Ellis

10. Spencer Johnson

11. Adam Zampa

Australia’s Full Squad: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Travis Head, Steven Smith (Captain), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly.

The Countdown Begins

As the two teams take the field, the excitement is at an all-time high. India will be looking to rewrite history, while Australia will aim to continue its dominance in ICC knockout games. With both sides packed with match-winners, the semi-final promises to be a thrilling contest. All eyes are now on Dubai, where cricket fans are in for a spectacular showdown.

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