The Indian cricket team, also known as the Men in Blue, boasts a rich history in One-Day International (ODI) cricket and the ICC Champions Trophy. India has been victorious twice in the Champions Trophy, first in 2002 (joint winners with Sri Lanka) and again in 2013 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. Their ODI success is marked by numerous milestones, including victories in the ODI World Cups of 1983 and 2011.
The India national cricket team is also called the Men in Blue. They are very good at playing One Day International (ODI) cricket. India started playing ODI cricket in 1974. Since then, they have participated in numerous major tournaments.
One of their greatest moments was in 1983 when they won the ICC Cricket World Cup under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. Another unforgettable achievement came in 2011 when India won the ICC Cricket World Cup again, this time under the leadership of MS Dhoni. They also triumphed in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007.
India has performed exceptionally well in the ICC Champions Trophy. They won the tournament in 2013, defeating England in a thrilling final under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. They also shared the title with Sri Lanka in 2002 after the final was washed out.
India’s cricket team is renowned for its skill, consistency, and passionate fan base!
Key Players to Watch in ICC Champions Trophy
Shubman Gill
Why They’re Important
Shubman Gill is a dynamic and technically gifted top-order batsman known for his ability to anchor innings as well as accelerate when needed. His elegant stroke play, strong footwork, and composure under pressure make him a linchpin of India’s batting lineup. Additionally, his proficiency against both pace and spin allows him to adapt across conditions, making him a key figure for India in multi-nation tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy.
Notable Achievements
Consistency in ODIs: Gill emerged as one of India’s most reliable ODI batsmen, scoring multiple centuries in 2023 and 2024, including a double-century in ODI cricket.
Big Match Performances: Played critical innings in India’s World Cup campaigns and Asia Cup, proving his mettle under high-pressure scenarios.
IPL Success: Dominated the IPL 2023 season, earning the Orange Cap with over 800 runs, showcasing his ability to thrive on global stages.
Expected Impact in 2025
Shubman Gill is expected to be a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Opening the innings, he can provide a stable platform, allowing middle-order hitters to capitalize later. His ability to construct long innings in challenging conditions could be decisive, especially on pitches favoring bowlers. Moreover, his recent form suggests he could be among the tournament’s leading run-scorers. India will rely on his adaptability and temperament to navigate the group stages and beyond.
Mohammed Siraj
Why They’re Important
Mohammed Siraj has established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, thanks to his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver impactful spells in any conditions. Known for his fiery pace, accurate yorkers, and clever variations, Siraj thrives in both the powerplay and at the death. His knack for taking early wickets can put opposing teams on the back foot, making him a vital asset for India’s bowling attack in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Notable Achievements
ODI Dominance: Ranked among the top ODI bowlers, Siraj consistently dismantled top-order batsmen in bilateral series and ICC events. His stunning 6-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final showcased his ability to single-handedly change games.
Test Cricket Success: Played pivotal roles in India’s Test victories overseas, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the World Test Championship.
White-Ball Efficiency: Proved his mettle in T20 and ODI formats with a mix of economy and strike rate, adapting brilliantly to changing formats and pitches.
Expected Impact in 2025
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Siraj is expected to lead India’s pace attack. His strength in exploiting swing-friendly conditions, especially during English summer pitches, could make him a nightmare for opposition batsmen. In addition to his new-ball threat, Siraj’s effectiveness in the death overs ensures India has a reliable bowler for crunch moments. His recent form and experience make him a prime candidate to top the wicket-takers chart in the tournament.
Kuldeep Yadav
Why They’re Important
Kuldeep Yadav is one of the world’s most skillful wrist spinners, with the unique ability to outfox batters through sharp turn, deceptive variations, and impeccable control. As a left-arm chinaman bowler, he brings a rare skill set that challenges even the best players of spin. His recent resurgence has made him a vital cog in India’s bowling lineup, particularly in middle overs where he consistently breaks partnerships.
Notable Achievements
ODI Excellence: Kuldeep was instrumental in India’s World Cup 2023 campaign, finishing as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.
Memorable Spells: His 5-wicket haul against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 was a testament to his ability to dominate high-pressure matches.
Adaptability: Across formats and conditions, Kuldeep has delivered match-winning performances, including in overseas tours where he exploited turn-friendly and flat tracks alike.
Expected Impact in 2025
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Kuldeep is expected to be a game-changer in the middle overs. On pitches offering even a hint of assistance, his wrist spin can bamboozle batters, creating opportunities for crucial breakthroughs. Moreover, his variations make him a strong contender for success on flatter pitches, where traditional bowlers might struggle. India will rely on him to provide control, take wickets, and unsettle well-set batters, making him an integral part of their title aspirations.
Team India Strategies
Past Performances in Champions Trophy
Tournament History
India has been one of the most successful teams in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy. The team has participated in all eight editions since the tournament’s inception in 1998.
- Appearances: 8
- Wins: 2 (2002 as co-champions with Sri Lanka, 2013 outright champions)
- Best Finish: Champions (2002, 2013)
Memorable Matches
India’s journey in the Champions Trophy has been marked by moments of brilliance, such as Sourav Ganguly’s 665 runs across tournaments and Shikhar Dhawan’s heroics in 2013, cementing their legacy in the tournament’s history
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – India’s Fixtures
Click on any match to view more details (e.g., head-to-head stats, key players, venue info).
| Match # | Fixture | Date | Time | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangladesh vs India | Feb 20, 2025 | TBC | Dubai | View Details |
| 2 | New Zealand vs India | Feb 23, 2025 | TBC | Dubai | View Details |
| 3 | Pakistan vs India | March 1, 2025 | TBC | Dubai | View Details |
Knockout Stages
| Date | Fixture | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 5 | Semi-Final: TBC vs TBC | Karachi | View Details |
| March 6 | Semi-Final: TBC vs TBC | Rawalpindi | View Details |
| March 9 | Final: TBC vs TBC | Lahore or Dubai | If India reaches the final, it will be held in Dubai; otherwise, in Lahore. View Details |
Fan Corner
Social Media
Stay Connected with Team India:
Follow us on social media for live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCCI
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bcci
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/BCCI
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/starcricket
Join the conversation using #TeamIndia2025 on social media!
Fun Facts About India
- India has won the ICC Champions Trophy twice (2002 and 2013), sharing the 2002 title with Sri Lanka due to rain.
- Shikhar Dhawan holds the record for being the highest run-scorer in a single Champions Trophy edition (2013).
- India is the only team to win the Champions Trophy on English soil, defeating England in 2013.
Fan Chant/Tradition:
- Fan Chant: Indian fans chant “Jeetega Bhai Jeetega, India Jeetega!” during every thrilling moment.
- Fan Attire: The iconic blue jerseys, often referred to as the “Men in Blue,” dominate the stands, along with face paints in tricolor patterns.
Did You Know?
Team India fans, known as the Bharat Army, travel across the globe to support their team and bring unmatched energy to every stadium.
Related Teams
- Pakistan – Relive the historic battles between Pakistan and India, including the unforgettable 2017 Champions Trophy final.
- Australia -Explore India’s iconic clashes with Australia, featuring thrilling encounters in ICC tournaments.
- England – Discover the history of India’s exciting encounters with England, including iconic finals and close matches.
Please note that player selections and tournament arrangements are subject to change. For the most current information, it’s advisable to follow official announcements from the BCCI and the ICC.
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