The countdown is on. India is all set to launch its Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a high-stakes clash against Bangladesh on Thursday, February 20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Men in Blue last reached the final in 2017, falling short against Pakistan. Their most recent title win? Back in 2013, when they edged past England in a nail-biting final.
Champions Trophy 2025: India’s Form and Road to the Tournament
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India enters the 2025 edition in red-hot form. They recently thrashed England 3-0 in a home ODI series, proving their dominance. With Rohit Sharma at the helm, the team is hungry to go all the way this time.
But there are concerns. Weaknesses that could hurt their chances. Let’s break down three major areas where India’s 2025 squad falls short compared to their 2017 lineup.
Champions Trophy 2025: Lack of In-Form Left-Handed Batters
Remember the 2017 Champions Trophy? India had a lethal left-handed trio—Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, and Ravindra Jadeja. Dhawan was the tournament’s top scorer for India, while Yuvraj played some crucial knocks.
Fast forward to 2025. India still has left-handers—Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, and Jadeja. But here’s the problem:
- Jadeja’s ODI batting has dipped
- Pant has barely played competitive cricket in recent months
- Sundar hasn’t been reliable with the bat in ODIs
- Axar is the only one showing decent form
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A team with fewer in-form lefties? That’s a red flag.
Virat Kohli’s Uncertain Form
Kohli was a beast in 2017. He racked up 258 runs in five games, including an unbeaten 96 in the semi-final. But in 2025? The numbers aren’t as promising.
- He missed the first ODI against England.
- Scored just five runs in the second.
- Managed a half-century in the third, but consistency remains a concern.
Adding to the woes, India’s lower-order lacks depth. With Pant and Sundar short on game time, the burden falls on Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya to step up under pressure.
India’s Thin and Inexperienced Pace Attack
And now, the biggest concern—India’s pace attack. In 2017, they had a deadly quartet: Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, and Umesh Yadav. Plus, Hardik Pandya as an extra seamer.
But in 2025? Things look shaky.
- Bumrah is ruled out due to injury.
- India is fielding just three frontline pacers: Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Shami.
- Harshit Rana is a newcomer, fresh off his ODI debut against England.
- Arshdeep Singh has played only nine ODIs—still finding his feet.
- Shami is returning from injury and struggling to hit peak form.
To make matters worse, Mohammed Siraj was left out, despite being part of the reserves. That makes India’s 2025 bowling attack look a lot weaker than their 2017 unit.
Also Read: Champions Trophy: No Indian Flag In Karachi-Lahore Stadium
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