Why India will win the Champions Trophy 2025

Dubai: India have been here before — on the cusp of ICC glory, armed with a squad that blends experience and fearless young talent. This time, though, they look unstoppable. With dominant recent performances, a settled core, and conditions that suit their strengths, Rohit Sharma’s men are primed to go all the way in the Champions Trophy.

The showpiece event has overcome multiple hurdles to make its long-awaited return, with a hybrid model in place to accommodate geopolitical tensions. If India reach the final, the match will shift to Dubai — a compromise struck after the team refused to travel to Pakistan due to government restrictions. Despite the off-field drama, on the field, India have hit peak form at the perfect time, making them the team to beat over the next three weeks.

Since winning the T20 World Cup last year, India’s white-ball game has gone up several notches. The lone blemish in their recent form was a series loss in Sri Lanka, a notoriously tough venue for visiting teams. However, they quickly rebounded with emphatic wins over Bangladesh (3-0 in T20Is) and South Africa (3-1 in T20Is).

Winning is a habit, and India have embraced it. Their recent dominance over England — beating them 4-1 in T20Is and 3-0 in ODIs — shows a team in ruthless form. With both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rediscovering their scoring touch, and youngsters like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer stepping up, India’s batting has the depth to handle any challenge.

While India’s batting line-up boasts firepower and experience, their bowling attack is equally well-equipped for conditions that mirror those back home. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah is a setback, but India’s spin attack is expected to thrive in the middle overs, where ODI field restrictions allow only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle from overs 11 to 40.

India’s biggest challenge in this tournament is Pakistan. However, playing in Dubai negates the home advantage Mohammad Rizwan’s team would have enjoyed in Karachi, Lahore, or Rawalpindi — the three tournament venues.

“India is playing superb all-round cricket and so are among the favourites for the Champions Trophy,” former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar told AFP. “The other teams, in my opinion, to watch out for are defending champions Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.”

New Zealand come into the tournament riding high after winning a tri-series in Pakistan. The Black Caps have a history of punching above their weight in ICC events, but with Trent Boult and Tim Southee both retired, their bowling attack looks vulnerable. Among India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, only two will progress to the next stage, and India will be hungry to avenge their 2021 T20 World Cup loss to Pakistan in Dubai.

Australia have traditionally saved their best for ICC tournaments, but their squad is far from full strength this time. Their formidable pace trio — Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood — are all unavailable.

Adding to their woes, all-rounders Marcus Stoinis (retired from ODIs) and Mitchell Marsh (injured) leave a massive void in the squad. As a result, the once-dominant Australians suddenly look vulnerable.

Everything is falling into place for India. They have the form, the firepower, and the conditions to make this tournament their own. With a squad brimming with talent and confidence, Rohit Sharma’s men have no reason to hold back. They fell short in 2017 — but this time, they look ready to go all the way.