The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19, is already generating immense excitement among cricket fans. Returning after an eight-year hiatus, the prestigious event will feature the world’s top eight teams battling for glory in ODI cricket. With the tournament’s knockout format and high-stakes clashes, including the much-anticipated India versus Pakistan encounter, fans are eagerly awaiting another thrilling edition of the tournament.
Team India enter as strong contenders
India, the runners-up of the 2017 Champions Trophy, will enter the tournament with high expectations. Under a mix of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents, India aim to reclaim the title it last won in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s leadership. However, concerns remain about the team’s balance, particularly in the bowling department, as they look to overcome past shortcomings and lift the coveted trophy.
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Aakash Chopra warns about India’s weakness
Former cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra has advised the Indian team to prioritize chasing targets in the Champions Trophy 2025, citing concerns over the team’s bowling attack. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra stressed that India’s batting strength should dictate their game plan.
“It’s the rule in white-ball cricket that whatever is your strength should be the second thing you should do. If your bowling is good, do that later. If your batting is good, do that later, and this team’s batting is good,” Chopra remarked.
With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to injury, India’s bowling unit lacks a dominant strike bowler, increasing reliance on their batting to secure victories. While the squad boasts a variety of bowling options, Chopra emphasized that India’s real firepower lies in their batting and should be utilized accordingly.
“We are saying that we have a lot of variation in bowling and have five spinners as well. However, if we are being honest, we have an issue in bowling. Our strength is our batting,” he added.
