India’s Path to Champions Trophy Victory Boosted by Shikhar Dhawan’s Brilliant Bowling

Published on: February 18, 2025

India’s Path to Champions Trophy Victory Boosted by Shikhar Dhawan’s Brilliant Bowling

Shikhar Dhawan Reflects on India’s Champions Trophy Prospects

As the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s key players in major ICC tournaments, shared his thoughts on the Indian team’s prospects and their chances of success. India, led by Rohit Sharma, enters the competition as one of the pre-tournament favorites, with a well-rounded squad that has been in impressive form. Dhawan, who has been a constant presence for India in ICC events, particularly in the Champions Trophy, provides a deep analysis of what to expect from the side, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, and players to watch out for.

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India’s Solid Team and Recent Form

“I am quite confident about them; they have a solid team and played very well against England in their recent ODI series,” Dhawan stated when assessing India’s chances. He praised the team’s recent performance, especially in the ODI series against England, which showcased their strength in all departments. India has a balanced team with a mix of experience and youthful energy, which bodes well for their chances in the Champions Trophy. With the upcoming tournament taking place in Dubai, conditions will play a significant role in determining the outcome, and India’s squad is well-equipped to adapt and excel.

Missing Jasprit Bumrah: A Big Loss

While Dhawan has high confidence in the Indian team’s capabilities, he expressed concern about one major absence: the injury to Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, will be sorely missed by India. “There is no doubt he will be a big absence,” Dhawan admitted. Bumrah’s precision, calm demeanor, and ability to bowl under pressure make him a crucial component of the Indian bowling attack, especially in the high-stakes atmosphere of the Champions Trophy. Dhawan highlighted how Bumrah’s accuracy is difficult to replicate, and his absence could leave a gap in India’s ability to control key moments in matches.

However, Dhawan also noted that India has options to fill the void left by Bumrah. The emergence of Harshit Rana, a promising fast bowler, could provide India with a new weapon. “Harshit Rana has come into the side, and I think that is really exciting – keep an eye on him,” Dhawan remarked. Rana, known for his fearless attitude and aggressive approach, has shown signs of form in recent series, and Dhawan believes he has the potential to make a significant impact on the tournament. His confidence in Rana’s abilities reflects the excitement surrounding this young bowler, who may well provide an “x-factor” for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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India’s World-Beating Status in Question Before Champions Trophy

Balanced Side and Key Players to Watch

Dhawan’s confidence in India’s chances stems not only from the depth in their bowling attack but also from the strength of their batting lineup. India boasts a lineup that blends seasoned performers with exciting young talents. One of the key players to watch will be Shubman Gill, who has been in exceptional form and is seen as one of the most consistent batters in world cricket at the moment. “I think Shubman Gill will have a great tournament,” Dhawan predicted. Gill’s consistency at the top of the order gives India a solid foundation, and his ability to adapt to different conditions makes him a vital part of the team’s success in the Champions Trophy.

Other key players include the stalwarts of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Dhawan acknowledged the form of both these players, with Rohit Sharma’s recent performances further enhancing his reputation as a key player in ICC tournaments. Kohli, known for his consistency and match-winning ability, remains one of the best in the world. Dhawan’s belief in the batting prowess of the Indian team is evident, and he is optimistic that these experienced players will step up when needed the most.

Optimism Amidst Challenges

While the loss of Bumrah is a setback, Dhawan remains optimistic about India’s overall prospects.
The side’s strong batting lineup, along with players like Gill, Sharma, and Kohli, ensures that they have the firepower to challenge any team in the competition. The blend of youth and experience is something that Dhawan values, particularly in a tournament as competitive as the Champions Trophy.

Dhawan’s experience in ICC events, including his key role in India’s run to the final in the 2017 Champions Trophy, adds to his perspective. He has seen firsthand the challenges that India can face, but he also knows the team’s ability to overcome them. “India did very well in the last Champions Trophy, but sadly ended up on the losing side in the final,” Dhawan recalled. “But we played amazing cricket. There will be some amazing memories of that with the squad, and they know what they can do.”

South Africa: A Strong Contender

While India remains a favorite for Dhawan, he also acknowledged the strength of other teams, particularly South Africa. Dhawan praised South Africa for their consistent form in recent years, highlighting the experience and depth of their squad. Players like Kagiso Rabada, known for his pace and wicket-taking ability, are critical to South Africa’s chances in the tournament. “They have everything you need to win such a huge tournament – experience, strength-in-depth, and x-factor players,” Dhawan stated. South Africa’s formidable bowling attack, combined with a strong batting lineup, makes them a team to watch closely in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Pakistan and New Zealand: Tough Competitors

In addition to South Africa, Dhawan also pointed to Pakistan and New Zealand as strong contenders in the tournament. Pakistan, who will be playing in home conditions, can be a dangerous side, particularly with the support of their passionate fans. “Pakistan will be hard to beat in home conditions,” Dhawan warned. Their ability to rise to the occasion in ICC events, combined with their strong team spirit, makes them a formidable opponent.

New Zealand, consistently one of the best teams in world cricket, also has Dhawan’s respect. Known for their fighting spirit and ability to punch above their weight, New Zealand is always a team that poses a serious challenge in any ICC tournament. “They are just always there or thereabouts,” Dhawan said, reflecting on their consistent presence in the knockout stages of major tournaments. Their blend of experienced players and young talents will make them a team to watch closely.

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Australia: Battling Through Tough Times

Dhawan also mentioned Australia, acknowledging their recent struggles but recognizing the potential of their batting lineup. “Australia has struggled in their series with Sri Lanka, but they have some great batters,” Dhawan observed. Players like Travis Head, who is in great form, and Steve Smith, who has made a strong return to form in Test cricket, can prove to be game-changers for Australia. Dhawan’s admiration for Smith’s determination and consistency is evident, as he sees Smith as one of the key players to watch for Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Dhawan’s perspective on the current era of cricket also highlights the remarkable batting talents of players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. “I played with Virat for a long time, and during this great period of amazing batters,” Dhawan reflected. “To see them all still going so strong is inspiring, and I hope they have big tournaments.” His recognition of the shared competitive spirit among these players speaks to the era of exceptional batters that cricket fans are witnessing.

Personal Reflection on the Champions Trophy

For Dhawan, the ICC Champions Trophy holds a special place in his career. His memories of the 2013 Champions Trophy, where India emerged as the winners, are etched in his mind. “Winning in 2013 was a great achievement, one of the biggest of my career,” he remarked. Dhawan’s personal contribution to India’s success in the tournament was significant, as he was the leading run-scorer and played a key role in their victorious campaign.
His century against South Africa in the opening match of the 2013 tournament marked a turning point in his career and solidified his place in India’s limited-overs setup.

“I can still feel what it was like to open my arms after I scored that century,” Dhawan recalled. “It was like I was telling the world that I had arrived.” That moment of triumph, coupled with his consistent performances throughout the tournament, gave Dhawan the self-belief to take on any challenge. His confidence soared, and he became one of India’s most reliable ODI openers.

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A Memorable Final and the Path to Victory

Dhawan also reminisced about the final of the 2013 Champions Trophy, where India faced England in a high-pressure match. “We were up against it, they were chasing down the target with Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara going well,” he remembered. But India’s calm and composed approach under pressure saw them through, with Ishant Sharma taking crucial wickets to turn the game in India’s favor. “Good teams do that, they keep their emotions in check, their body language stable and find a way to win,” Dhawan explained. This mentality will be crucial for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, as they aim to conquer the challenges posed by their competitors.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy

With a solid squad, a balanced blend of experience and youth, and the emergence of new talents like Harshit Rana, India has everything needed to lift the 2025 Champions Trophy. While the loss of Jasprit Bumrah is a significant setback, Dhawan’s confidence in the team’s depth and overall ability remains unwavering. As India begins their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, they will aim to build on their previous successes and finally capture the elusive Champions Trophy once again.