- Rohit Sharma could become the first Indian player to win four ICC trophies if India lifts the Champions Trophy 2025.
- Suresh Raina emphasizes Rohit’s aggressive batting and leadership as key to India’s success.
- The Rohit-Virat partnership and spin trio of Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep will play vital roles.
Rohit Sharma’s Historic Opportunity at Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma is on the brink of making history. If India wins the Champions Trophy 2025, he will surpass MS Dhoni as the first Indian player to win four ICC trophies . Both Dhoni and Rohit currently have three ICC titles each.
This tournament could be Rohit’s final chance to claim an ICC trophy as captain. Suresh Raina highlighted that Rohit’s leadership and runs will decide India’s fate . Ith matches in Dubai, Rohit’s tactical decisions, like using spinners strategically, will be crucial .
Rhit’s motivation is sky-high. He recently led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, proving his ability to handle pressure. Raina believes the Champions Trophy offers Rohit a legacy-defining moment.
Aggressive Batting: Rohit Sharma’s Key Strategy
Suresh Raina urges Rohit to stick to his aggressive style. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit’s bold approach set the tone for India, even in the final His strike rate of 119-120 post-2023 shows his dominance in ODIs .
The big question is: Who will open with Rohit? Raina supports Shubman Gill as the ideal partner. Their combined aggression has worked well in past matches. Gill’s fearless batting complements Rohit’s experience, creating a strong start for India.
Rohit’s form in the recent Sri Lanka ODI series (157 runs at 52.33 avg) proves his consistency Raina stresses that Rohit must continue this momentum to inspire the team .
Virat Kohli: The Stabilizing Force for India
While Rohit attacks, Virat Kohli anchors the innings. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli scored 765 runs, becoming India’s top scorer. His ability to switch gears in white-ball cricket makes him indispensable.
Kohli is nearing 14,000 ODI runs, needing just 94 more in the England series . Raina notes that Kohli thrives against England, and high-scoring venues like Ahmedabad suit his style .
Despite recent Test struggles, Raina trusts Kohli to deliver. “Virat and Rohit complement each other,” he said. Their partnership balances aggression and stability.
Spin Trio: Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep’s Crucial Role
Dubai’s pitches will favor both seam and spin. Raina insists Ravindra Jadeja is a must-pick for his all-round skills. Axar Patel’s consistent performances add depth, while Kuldeep Yadav’s comeback from injury could surprise opponents.
Key Spin Stats for 2025
- Jadeja: 268 wickets in ODIs .
- Axar: Economy rate of 4.8 in 2024 ODIs.
- Kuldeep: Match-winning spells in 2the 023 Asia Cup.
Rohit’s captaincy will be tested in managing these spinners. Raina praised his use of Mohammad Shami in crunch moments, a tactic that might repeat in Dubai.
England ODIs: Warm-Up for Champions Trophy
India’s three-match ODI series against England starts on February 6. This series is vital for Rohit and Kohli to regain form Venues like Nagpur and Cuttack are batting-friendly, ideal for big scores.
Players to Watch
- Rohit Sharma: Needs 134 runs to reach 11,000 ODI runs.
- Virat Kohli: Chasing Sachin’s 14,000-run record.
- Shubman Gill: Potential opener with a strike rate of 141.44.
Raina believes these matches will set the tone for the Champions Trophy. A strong performance here could boost India’s confidence.
Why This Could Be Rohit’s Last ICC Tournament as Captain
At 37, Rohit is nearing the end of his captaincy journey. Raina calls this his “last ICC trophy” as skipper, adding urgency to his campaign Winning would cement his place among legends like Dhoni.
Rohit’s legacy hinges on this tournament. His attacking captaincy and bold decisions, like promoting Shami in critical overs, have defined his leadership . Raina urges fans to back him, as “scoring runs will be crucial”.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
