When India and Pakistan step onto the cricket field, the rivalry is unmatched in intensity and passion. Both teams have produced world-class players over the years, making it an exciting task to combine the best of both squads into a formidable playing XI. This combined XI brings together experience, explosiveness, and match-winning ability, ensuring a balanced side ready to dominate any opposition. India and Pakistan will clash on February 23 in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

1) fakhar zaman

Fakhar Zaman has been a reliable opener for Pakistan, known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to put pressure on the opposition from the first ball. His fearless approach makes him an ideal candidate to open the innings in this combined XI. Having played 84 ODIs, he has scored 3,617 runs at an impressive average of 47, including 11 centuries and 17 half-centuries.

2) Rohit Sharma (C)

Rohit Sharma’s ability to play big innings and dominate bowlers in white-ball cricket makes him a perfect choice as captain. With his elegant stroke play and calm leadership, he complements Fakhar Zaman at the top. He has amassed 10,978 runs in 267 ODIs at an average of nearly 50, including 32 centuries and 57 fifties.

3) Virat Kohli

A legend in modern-day cricket, Virat Kohli’s consistency and hunger for runs make him an automatic selection. His ability to chase down targets and anchor an innings is invaluable. Over 296 ODIs, he has accumulated 13,911 runs, including 50 centuries and 72 half-centuries, making him one of the greatest batters in history.

4) Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket Keeper)

Mohammad Rizwan’s adaptability and dependable batting make him the perfect candidate for the wicketkeeping role. Whether anchoring the innings or accelerating in the latter overs, he has been a reliable performer. He has played 84 ODIs, scoring 2,477 runs at an average of 42, with four centuries and 15 fifties.

5) Salman Ali Agha

Salman Ali Agha has proven his credentials as a dependable middle-order batter. In 32 ODIs, he has scored 870 runs, including a century and multiple fifties, while also contributing with the ball, taking 15 wickets. His ability to anchor the innings and play aggressive shots when needed makes him a valuable addition to the squad.

6) Pandya Hardik

Hardik Pandya’s explosiveness with the bat and his ability to pick crucial wickets make him an indispensable asset. His finishing abilities in ODIs have been a game-changer for India, and his bowling adds crucial balance to the squad. In 88 ODIs, he has scored 1,788 runs at a strike rate of 110 and has also picked up 85 wickets.

7) Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round capabilities make him a must-have in any playing XI. His electric fielding, disciplined left-arm spin, and handy lower-order batting provide great depth. He has played 199 ODIs, scoring 2,779 runs and taking 226 wickets at an economy rate of under five.

8) Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ability to swing the ball at pace and take wickets in the powerplay makes him a lethal weapon. His knack for picking up early breakthroughs has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s success in ODIs. He has taken 125 wickets in just 60 ODIs, making him one of the most fearsome pacers in world cricket.

9) Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin provides an attacking option in the middle overs. His ability to deceive batters with flight and variations makes him a genuine match-winner. Over 107 ODIs, he has claimed 173 wickets, making him one of the leading spin bowlers in the modern game.

10) Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf brings raw pace and aggression to the attack and is capable of dismantling batting lineups with his express deliveries. His effectiveness in both powerplays and death overs makes him a valuable asset. He has taken 83 wickets in 46 ODIs, proving his capability as a strike bowler.

11) Mohammad Shami

Mohammad Shami’s experience and wicket-taking ability, especially in crucial moments, make him an ideal choice to round off this bowling attack. His ability to reverse swing the old ball and deliver accurate yorkers makes him a potent weapon. He has claimed 197 wickets in 103 ODIs, solidifying his reputation as one of India’s premier fast bowlers.

Honourable Mentions

Babar Azam: Undoubtedly one of the best batters in the world, Babar Azam’s elegant stroke play and consistency make him a standout performer. He has played 126 ODIs, scoring 6,019 runs at an impressive average of 55.7, including 19 centuries and 34 half-centuries.

Shubman Gill: A young and promising Indian opener, Gill has shown immense potential with his solid technique and ability to play long innings. In 50 ODIs, he has scored 2,587 runs at an average of 60, including 7 centuries and 15 fifties.

Shreyas Iyer: A dependable middle-order batter for India, Iyer can accelerate the scoring rate and stabilize innings when required. He has played 65 ODIs, scoring 2,602 runs, including 5 centuries and 20 half-centuries.

Naseem Shah: A rising, fast-bowling talent from Pakistan, Naseem Shah has already made a significant impact with his pace and ability to extract movement from any surface. In 23 ODIs, he has picked up 45 wickets.

This combined XI of India and Pakistan brings together the best of both teams, ensuring a balanced lineup with firepower in batting, depth in all-rounders, and a formidable bowling attack. With experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leading the charge, alongside the raw pace of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, this team has the potential to dominate any opposition in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.