Champions Trophy: AI Picks All-Time Best India XI feat. Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni

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The 2025 ICC Men's Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, with matches being held across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This tournament marks a significant moment for Pakistan as they gear up to host their first major global cricket event since the 1996 ODI World Cup.

The competition, featuring eight top-ranked teams from the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, will follow the traditional 50-over ODI format, with a total of 15 matches scheduled. Notably, two former world champions-Sri Lanka and the West Indies-missed out on qualification for this edition.

Groups

Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand
Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan find themselves in Group A, alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand, setting the stage for some thrilling encounters. Group B features Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.

The tournament format will see the top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, bringing them one step closer to lifting the prestigious trophy.

Before India head for Dubai for the big-ticket event, AI has picked the Men in Blue's all-time best XI in the history of the competition. Here's a look at the XI.

Openers

Shikhar Dhawan - India's highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history, winner of Golden Bat in 2013 and 2017.

Sachin Tendulkar - A consistent performer in early editions, including a century in 2002.

Middle Order

Virat Kohli - Played key innings in multiple editions, including the 2013 title-winning campaign.

Rahul Dravid (wk) - One of India's best in knockout tournaments, solidifying the middle order.

Yuvraj Singh - A game-changer in ODIs, providing match-winning knocks and all-round ability.

All-rounders

MS Dhoni (c & wk) - Captaincy, finishing ability, and keeping skills make him indispensable.

Hardik Pandya - A power-hitter and pace-bowling option, played a crucial role in 2017.

Bowlers

Ravindra Jadeja - The highest wicket-taker in the 2013 edition, a vital all-rounder.

Zaheer Khan - India's pace spearhead in multiple editions.

Javagal Srinath - Led India's pace attack in early years, a consistent wicket-taker.

Ashish Nehra - Known for his accuracy and ability to deliver in crunch matches.

12th Man

Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Reliable swing bowler, instrumental in the 2017 edition.