India’s Top Strengths for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit, Kohli, and a Powerful Squad
India has named their 15-member provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. They last won the tournament in 2013. Under Rohit Sharma, the team seeks redemption. They lost to Pakistan in the 2017 final. With a squad of proven performers, India is a favorite. Here’s an analysis of the team’s biggest strengths.
Formidable Batting Order
India boasts a top-six batting lineup that rivals the best in the world.
- Key Players:
- Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya.
- Performance Stats: Since 2020, Rohit and Gill have amassed the most ODI runs as an opening pair. Kohli continues to deliver consistent performances at No. 3, while Iyer and Rahul bring versatility and the ability to accelerate when required. Hardik Pandya, batting at No. 6, provides the firepower to finish innings with authority.
This in-form, experienced batting order is India’s backbone. It can set or chase high totals in pressure games.
All-Rounder Depth
India’s squad is full of all-rounders who can bat and bowl. They can change games.
- Fast-Bowling All-Rounder: Hardik Pandya remains the team’s premier option, offering pace and power.
- Spin-Bowling All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar provide depth and flexibility.
India’s many all-rounders give it a tactical edge. The team can field multiple bowlers while keeping a strong batting lineup. This is vital on subcontinental pitches.
Diverse Spin Attack
India’s spin bowling will be a key weapon in the Champions Trophy. It will be vital on Dubai’s turning tracks.
- Leading the Attack: Ravindra Jadeja (16 wickets in the 2023 World Cup) and Kuldeep Yadav (India’s top ODI wicket-taker since 2020).
- Supporting Spinners: Axar Patel’s left-arm spin and Washington Sundar’s off-breaks add variety.
India’s spinners have the experience and skill to exploit spin-friendly conditions. This is especially true in the tournament’s later stages.
India enters the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with a mix of veterans and tactical depth. They have a powerful batting lineup, all-rounders, and a varied spin attack. They are ready to reclaim the title after 12 years.
