It’s been over a decade since India last lifted an ICC trophy — the Champions Trophy 2013 under MS Dhoni. Despite reaching the finals and semi-finals of multiple tournaments since, the coveted silverware has remained elusive. Now, with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, cricket fans are asking: Is this the year India breaks the drought?
India’s ICC Trophy Drought: A Painful Journey
Since their 2013 Champions Trophy win, India has come close several times:
- 2014 T20 World Cup Final – Lost to Sri Lanka
- 2017 Champions Trophy Final – Lost to Pakistan
- 2019 ODI World Cup Semi-Final – Lost to New Zealand
- 2021 World Test Championship Final – Lost to New Zealand
- 2023 ODI World Cup Final – Lost to Australia
Despite strong squads and dominating group stages, India has repeatedly faltered in knockout matches.
India’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India has named a balanced, experienced squad for the tournament. Rohit Sharma leads the side, with Shubman Gill as his deputy. Virat Kohli continues to anchor the batting lineup, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami spearhead the bowling attack. The return of Kuldeep Yadav is crucial, especially on Dubai’s slower pitches.
India’s Squad:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill (VC)
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Shreyas Iyer
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Shami
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant
- Ravindra Jadeja
Strengths: Why India Could Win
- Powerful Batting Lineup: With Rohit Sharma, Gill, Kohli, and Iyer at the top, India has a mix of stability and firepower.
- Spin Trio Advantage: Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Jadeja could be game-changers on Dubai’s dry, turning pitches.
- Deadly Fast Bowling: Bumrah and Shami bring experience and pace, while Arshdeep Singh adds freshness and left-arm variation.
- All-Round Depth: Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja provide balance with both bat and ball.
Challenges India Must Overcome
- Middle Order Concerns: While the top order looks strong, India still relies on KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer to hold the middle. In pressure situations, this has been a weak point in past tournaments.
- Injury Risks: Bumrah, Shami, and Kuldeep have all battled injuries. Keeping them fit for the entire tournament is crucial.
- Knockout Pressure: India has dominated group stages but struggled in knockouts. They must tackle mental pressure to finally break this cycle.
Key Matches to Watch
India is placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Here are the key fixtures to mark:
- India vs Pakistan – A high-stakes clash with intense rivalry
- India vs New Zealand – A chance for redemption after the 2019 World Cup semi-final loss
- India vs Bangladesh – A tricky team that has upset India before
Can India End the Drought?
With a balanced squad, strong leadership, and a burning desire to end the trophy drought, India has a real shot at the ICC Trophy 2025. But cricket is unpredictable — and the knockout stages will be their ultimate test.
👉 Stay tuned for live updates, expert analysis, and match predictions throughout the tournament!