Australia has won the toss and chosen to bat first against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal. Australia, missing important pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, is still a powerful team, given their history since their record chase of 352 runs from behind against England in Lahore.
India Seeks to End Knockout Jinx against Australia
India has a historic challenge of not having beaten Australia in an ICC knockout match since the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal. Since then, they have lost the 2015 ODI World Cup semifinal, the 2023 ODI World Cup final, and the 2023 World Test Championship final. India, though, comes to this game on a confident note, having a six-match ODI winning streak and having won two consecutive run chases in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Spin to Play a Key Role
India’s plan rests on their potent spin attack with Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy. Varun pointed out the necessity of patience over wizardry on these pitches, suggesting a spin-based plan of attack.
India’s opening batsmen have been in great nick, so they are the favorites for this high-pressure match.
Playing XIs for India vs Australia Semifinal
India’s XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
Australia’s XI: Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha.
With Australia playing first, India’s spinners will get the opportunity to make an early impression and stage a strong chase in this much-awaited semifinal.
