New Delhi:
As the cricket world gears up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has set his sights on bringing the coveted trophy back to the iconic Wankhede Stadium. This ambition is fueled by India’s desire to avenge their 2017 final loss to Pakistan and to bounce back from the recent Test series defeat against Australia.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks the tournament’s return after an eight-year hiatus, and India’s campaign will be led by Rohit Sharma, a veteran of numerous ICC tournaments. Due to ongoing political tensions, India’s matches will be held in Dubai, rather than in Pakistan, where the rest of the tournament will take place.
Rohit Sharma, who has been at the helm of the Indian team since November 2021, will lead a strong 15-member squad that includes seasoned players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, as well as key all-rounders such as Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Shubman Gill has been named as the vice-captain, reflecting his growing leadership role within the team.
India’s campaign in the Champions Trophy begins on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on February 23, and finally, a game against New Zealand on March 2. These matches will be crucial in determining India’s progress in the tournament.
During the 50th anniversary celebration of Wankhede Stadium, Rohit Sharma expressed his team’s determination to win the trophy. “We will try our best. I am sure that when we reach Dubai, 140 crore people will be behind us. We will try to do everything we can to bring the trophy back again to Wankhede,” he said, highlighting the emotional and national significance of this victory.
Rohit Sharma’s leadership has been instrumental in India’s recent successes, including leading the team to a T20 World Cup title with a 100% win record in the shortest format. Before embarking on the Champions Trophy, India will face England in a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series, starting on January 22. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in the T20I series, while Rohit Sharma will captain the ODI series.
The Champions Trophy’s return after an eight-year gap adds to the excitement and pressure on the Indian team. With a balanced squad and a clear leadership dynamic, India is well-positioned to make a strong impact in the tournament and bring home the coveted trophy.
